OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Querecotillo, an area with a course of increasing prevalence rates for this disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Information consigned at the 1997 Book of Record and Following of Malaria Patients, was analyzed. RESULTS: Ages ranged predominantly between 15 and 44 years (69,6% of cases). Incidence rate was 14,2%; and the villages of Peña, Puente, Victoria and Querecotillo had the highest prevalence rates. Population in able-to-work ages was the most affected, and the peak incidence was during May, June and July. CONCLUSIONS: Querecotillo is a high risk area for Plasmodium falciparum malaria, and there are economic, social, cultural and weather factors which exerts influence on disease statistics.

BACKGROUND: Resistance rates of Plasmodium falciparum in Querecotillo, Sullana, reported by the cohort study for the first semester of 1998, were greater than 50%. OBJECTIVES: To determine the types of Plasmodium falciparum antimicrobial resistance in this district. METHODS: A descriptive, retrospective study in which all malaria cases attended since January 01 to June 30, 1998, was evaluated. RESULTS: Male was the most affected gender (57,4%), and 66,5% of patients were between 15 to 44 years-old. 24,5% of cases was chloroquine-sensible, whereas 75,4% was resistant. Type specific resistance rates found were R1: 29,9%; R2: 13,2% and R3: 32%. CONCLUSION: Resistance rate of Plasmodium falciparum to chloroquine in Querecotillo, was as high as 75%.