Visakhapatnam:The North Andhra region is facing a surge in malaria and dengue cases, following the recent heavy rains. Stagnant water provided optimal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to a swift spread of these diseases.
Chief medical officer of GVMC, Naresh Kumar, spoke of a worrying increase in cases within Visakhapatnam district over the past week. "In one week, we've seen four new cases of dengue and one case of malaria," he said, highlighting the efforts to control the mosquito population through initiatives like ‘Friday Dry Day’.
This initiative aims to drive out stagnant water and destroy mosquito habitats in high-risk areas. Fogging operations are carried out every 7-9 days.In the Srikakulam district, DMHO Meenakshi cited five cases of dengue and one case of malaria last week. "We're taking proactive measures to check the spread," she said.
The situation in Vizianagaram district is bad too. District health officer Bhaskar Rao cited 13 malaria and five dengue cases the past week, adding to the 60 malaria and 12 dengue cases recorded there in May.
Vizianagaram district malaria officer Mani identified five mandals -- S Kota, Mentada Mandal, PM Palem and Rambhadrapuram -- as the main areas of concern. "We've pinpointed 113 high-risk villages based on the annual parasite incidence parametre. Preventive measures like indoor residual spraying, heightened surveillance, house-to-house visits and awareness campaigns are under way," Mani explained.
Data from last year shows significant malaria and dengue incidences across the districts. Visakhapatnam reported 734 dengue and 3,000 malaria cases, Vizianagaram had 266 malaria and 300 dengue cases and Srikakulam recorded 269 malaria cases. The Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district reported 3,000 malaria and 114 dengue cases, while Manyam district recorded 382 malaria and 182 dengue cases.
Viral fevers have also been reported in isolated areas of ASR district over the past few weeks. "Malaria cases have increased in ASR district this year," noted district Malaria officer PSS Prasad.
"With 1,777 villages in ASR district, we initiated the first round of general spraying on April 15 and completed it in 1,100 villages. The second round is scheduled to commence on July 1. Malaria is more prevalent in tribal areas, while dengue is primarily seen in urban regions. Occasional cases are reported from Araku and Paderu," he said.
