Malaria cases on the rise in Mangalore this year too

While 1,266 persons were tested positive between Jan and April 2013, this year, the number has gone up to 2,097 in the corresponding period

Incidences of malaria have continued to rise in Mangalore this year too. Mangalore, which had a large number of malaria cases during the 2002-2003 monsoon season, still records a number of patients infected with Vivax and Falciparum. 

According to available statistics from Mangalore City Corporation, the number of malaria cases reported from January to April 2013 is 1,266. However, this has increased to 2,097 from January to April this year.

Last year, 330 cases were reported in the month of January, which has increased to 532 this year. In the month of February last year, 325 cases were reported. It has increased to 471 this year. A total of 302 cases were tested positive to malaria in March last, and it has gone up to 477 this year.

During April last, the number of malaria cases reported in the MCC is 309. This year, a total of 617 cases were reported. Last year, a total of 4,714 cases were tested positive to malaria in the MCC limits. Looking at this year’s figure, Health Minister U T Khader had expressed concern over rise in cases this year in the recently held health department meeting. 

From January till April, 3,548 blood smears have been collected in private hospitals, 537 in government hospitals, 667 samples in the MCC blood testing centres, to test for malaria. Compared to last year, during the first four months, 831 cases have increased. In the month of April alone, it has increased by 308 cases. 

Out of 2,097 persons who tested positive for malaria, 675 were labourers, 72 hotel workers and 39 other labourers. It was in the year 2005 that highest number of people in MCC limits were tested positive for malaria.

Looking at the statistics, it shows that 20,083 persons were tested positive for malaria. In 2006, it had come down to 15,664, and 10,930 (2007), 5,915 (2008), 5,154 (2009), 6,335 (2010), 5,724 (2011), 5,327 (2012) and 4,714 (2013). 

Highest cases 

Derebail North East ward in the MCC limits has recorded the highest number of malaria cases with 130 in the last four months followed by Derebail west- 125, Padavu (west)- 121, Derebail (North)-97, Kadri (Padavu)- 96, Bejai- 93, Derebail (east)- 91, Kadri (South)-88, Bolara-82, Kadri (north)-80, Cantonment-76, Kankanady-75, Attavara-69, Bendoor-62, Central Market and Derebail South- 59, Court-57, Kodialbail and Kavoor-56, Mannagudda-52.

No malaria cases were reported in Pachanady, Thiruvail, Alape, Kannur, Bejai, Bengre, Panambur, Baikampady, Kulai, Hosabettu, Idya, Katipalla North, Krishnapura, Surathkal West and Surathkal east did not record any malaria cases. 

According to Mayor Mahabala Marla, the number might have been increased or decreased over the years. “The statistics shows increase in number as the MCC has started receiving reports on daily basis from private clinics, hospitals along with government clinics and hospitals, which was not so in the previous years.” 

The MCC is planning to take up a drive to release guppy fishes in the wells and water bodies in the MCC limits. An awareness programme will be organised in association with Centre for Integrated Learning, to create awareness on malaria and dengue. It aims at targetting atleast 20,000 kids. The MCC is also planning to conduct mass health check up and blood testing camps in those areas where highest cases were reported. 

The Mayor said that all the programmes that were chalked out from 1994 to 2013 to check the outbreak of malaria were not much successful. At the same time, the MCC will join hands with Fr Muller Medical College, A J Hospital, K S Hegde, KMC and Srinivas Medical College in creating awareness among general public by dividing the MCC jurisdiction into five zones. 

A total of 29 persons have died of malaria from 2003 to 2009 in MCC limits. This includes two in 2003, three in 2004, four in 2005, 11 in 2006 and eight in 2007.