Rampant Malaria in Visakha Agency, City Gears Up

Monsoon is here, bringing along with it vector-borne diseases like malaria. Last year, 474 cases were reported in the GVMC limits of urban and semi-urban areas, and already 238 cases have been reported this year. The Medical and Health Department, Animal Husbandry, Panchayat Raj and Revenue officials have reportedly rushed to the agency areas due to the malaria outbreak there.

Anthrax and malaria are turning out to be a major threat to the health of tribals in the district. The disease has reportedly surfaced early this season. But the villagers in Visakha agency claimed that no official has visited their village yet. The people here also suffer due to lack of an efficient ambulance service. Almost all the 11 mandals of the Agency areas reportedly have rampant malaria.

In the whole district, 1680 cases have surfaced already while last year saw 2000 cases being registered. In Vizianagaram district, this year has seen 900 cases against the 880 cases last year and Srikakulam has seen 370 cases so far. The Principal Secretary of Health has reviewed the status and warned the staff against negligence. 17 tribals have reportedly passed away in Chaparai and it was a wake up call for all the agencies.

Precautionary and preventive measures have been launched and medical camps have been conducted at villages. Door-to-door surveys are being conducted and medical aid provided to those in need. GVMC has taken up anti-larval operations in high-risk areas. They have taken up various measures like periodical fogging, pyrethrum spraying and peridomestic space spraying. 24 cases have been tested positive for malaria already from the 4218 cases screened at KGH.

Story Credit: The Hindu, Times of India