'Malaria to be eradicated in Udupi dist by next year'

Disease control officer says number of cases has fallen with time

The district Vector Borne Disease Control Department is all set to eradicate malaria completely by next year through extensive treatment and awareness programmes all over the district.

Speaking to media persons, Dr Premananda K, the district Vector Borne Disease Control Officer, said that the number of malaria cases reported in the district had come down when compared to the previous year. He added that as many as 17,409 samples were taken in August 2014 – of which, 176 were tested positive. “Nine were falciparum malaria cases. While 24,921 samples were collected in August 2015 – of which 152 tested positive – 31 are falciparum malaria cases,” he said.

He added that the department has taken up initiatives to create awareness against malaria, while simultaneously working on indoor spray and other preventive measures. “Building workers are also made aware of malaria-related symptoms. A student in Manipal University is working on JS mapping, which would help the department with area wise data on malaria. Separate teams are made to take up widespread awareness works. Seventeen link workers are involved in collecting blood samples,” he explained.

The officer said that as many as seven suspected Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases were reported in the district from January to August, 2015, of which, two cases are reported positive – one each in Mudrangadi in Padubidri and Handadi in Brahmavara. No deaths are reported. He added that there is no treatment for dengue and chikungunya. He said 117 suspected cases of chikungunya were reported from January to till date. Of these, three are tested positive. While as many as 1,110 suspected cases for dengue was reported from January to till date, of which 256 tested positive. Three deaths were reported, however the persons had additional health complications, he added.