Govt. intensifies efforts to fight rising vector, food-borne diseases
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With the number of malaria, dengue, scurb typhus and water and food-borne cases rising sharply in the State, the Department of Health, Medical and Family Welfare has begun focussing on surveillance and preventive measures to contain the spread of these diseases.
According to a release, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav on Sunday directed officials to identify areas reporting a rise in cases and called for intensified indoor residual spraying, distribution of mosquito nets and removal of mosquito breeding sites, particularly in malaria-prone tribal areas.
Officials have also been asked to identify waterlogged areas and strengthen vector-control measures in places where dengue cases have been reported.
According to the statement, as of August 30, Andhra Pradesh had recorded 7,895 malaria cases, up 27.9% from 6,172 during the same period last year. The increase has been reported from the districts of Alluri Sitarama Raju, Polavaram and Vizianagaram.
The State has reported 1,475 dengue cases so far this year, compared with 1,410 last year, a 4.6% increase. Scrub typhus cases have reached 941, with increases reported in Alluri Sitarama Raju and Parvathipuram Manyam districts.
A sharp rise has been noted in food-borne illnesses in Srikakulam, where cases increased from 34 last year to 408 this year.
Officials have been directed to conduct a “Dry Day” every Friday to eliminate stagnant water and mosquito breeding sites, with ASHA workers, health staff, local government personnel and residents participating.
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