{{scientists say Novel measures are needed to tackle malaria hotspots in countries with low levels of the disease.}}
Countries such as Malaysia and Bhutan have seen malaria levels fall – but pockets of infection remain, mainly among men living or working outdoors.
Writing in the Lancet, the scientists say this means that measures, such as nets, that help in homes are ineffective.
Instead, treated hammocks or clothing could be more useful.
{{‘Hot pops’}}
In countries where there are high levels of malaria, it is largely women and young children who are affected.
But in places where there has been success in reducing overall levels, it is adult men who bear most risk.
Those working in forests or plantations, or sleeping in fields overnight to protect crops, are all specific groups – known as “hot pops” (populations).
In the Philippines it was found that men who went to forests at night to hunt or gather wood were six times more likely to be infected than other men.
In Sri Lanka, where malaria incidence fell by 99.9% between 1999 and 2011, the proportion of infections in men rose from 54% to 93%.
The Lancet paper suggests this might be linked to the conflict in the island, which ran from 1983 to 2009.
Other groups who are disproportionately affected include ethnic or political minorities who are typically poor and often on the move.
BBC
