Koraput/Sunabeda/Semiliguda: Malaria cases has acquired an alarming proportion in Koraput district as the district administration is allegedly not taking enough measures for control of the vector-borne disease. The disease continues to spread its tentacles in the district sparking concern among the residents. According to reports available from the district Health department, blood samples of 4, 62,734 persons were taken for malaria tests in 2022, out of which 2,830 persons were found affected by the disease. In 2023, 5,43,080 blood samples were examined and 7,007 were found positive. Similarly, in 2024 3,22,812 blood samples were taken for test and 5,500 persons were found positive by July end showing an increasing trend. The dengue fever case count is also spiralling in the district.
Blood samples of 8,309 persons underwent tests and 509 were found positive in 2022. In 2023, blood samples of 6,594 persons underwent tests out of which 160 were tested positive for dengue. Similarly, by August 19 this year, blood samples of 2,371 persons were taken for testing and 40 persons tested positive for the disease. When enquired, district malaria officer Susant Das said that various measures are being taken by the district Health department for control of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. An official has been specially engaged in every municipality area to keep a tab on the spread of the diseases. ASHA workers, members of Gram Kalyan Samiti and Anganwadi workers are being trained and put on alert in their respective areas. They have been asked to admit persons suffering from fever in hospitals in both rural and urban areas. Anganwadi workers are also visiting every house in their areas and sensitising people on the measures to stay safe from malaria and dengue, he added.
On the other hand, many areas under Sunabeda Municipality become waterlogged. Muddy water has stagnated at various spots due to the torrential rainfall that lashed the district in past weeks. This has given rise to mosquito menace in various wards resulting in the spread of malaria cases and dengue fever in these areas, residents alleged. However, the local civic body authorities are not taking any preventive measures like fogging, sprinkling of mosquito oil and cleaning of drains in the wards, locals alleged. When contacted, executive officer Narayan Nayak of Sunabeda Municipality said fogging is done regularly in various wards while phenyl, mosquito oils and bleaching powder are also being applied. Moreover, Swachh Sathis are visiting every house in the civic body area and conducting malaria surveys, he added.