Prevalence of Plasmodium Infection Among Migrant Populations in Tripoli, Libya: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69667/lmj.2517320Keywords:
Malaria Reintroduction, Asymptomatic Carriers, Migrant Health, NCDC, Tripoli-LibyaAbstract
Libya, a malaria-free country since 1973, faces reintroduction risks from migrants traversing endemic regions and living in substandard Libyan conditions. A cross-sectional study (February–July 2025) screened 100 adult migrants (94% male, mean age 28.7) in Tripoli, primarily from Nigeria (54%) and Sudan (38%), residing ≤3 years in Libya. Using RDT, microscopy, and PCR, plus surveys, overall malaria prevalence was 1.0% (1/100), with full diagnostic concordance. The single case was an asymptomatic 25-year-old Sudanese male with P. falciparum (residency 6-12 months). The history of malaria infection was higher in Sudanese (35.0%) vs. Nigerians (24.6%), primarily occurring in youth. Recent arrivals (<1 year) reported more symptoms (47.5% vs. 26.2%). Critically, 82% of symptomatic participants had not received any treatment. Despite low prevalence, the asymptomatic carrier highlights treatment gaps and heightened risk among recent migrants
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