12.5  Detection of malaria epidemics

In this section you will learn about methods for the early detection of malaria epidemics. Early detection means recognising potential epidemics as early as possible, so action can be taken to contain them before they get out of control and affect a large number of people. As a Health Extension Practitioner, you are the first to take action against any malaria epidemic that is detected.

Two major early detection methods for malaria are used in Ethiopia:

• Constructing an epidemic monitoring chart, using the ‘second largest number’ method;
• Doubling of weekly malaria cases compared to last year’s data.

These methods are described below.