Special measures to control communicable diseases amid rains

Amaravati: TheMedical and Health Department has stepped up preventive measures to contain communicable diseases in the wake of rains and prevent a rise in cases of malaria, dengue, scrub typhus, typhoid and water- and food-borne diseases, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said.

The Minister directed officials to identify areas reporting a rise in cases in advance and take immediate preventive measures. In malaria-prone tribal areas, indoor residual spraying, distribution of mosquito nets and intensified anti-larval operations should be taken up. In areas reporting dengue cases, mosquito-control measures should be launched immediately, while stagnant-water locations created by rains should be identified and cleared.

He called for effective implementation of ‘Dry Day’ every Friday, involving the removal of stagnant water from houses and surrounding areas with public participation. ASHA workers, health staff, village and ward secretariat personnel and residents will participate in the programme, whose implementation will be monitored through an app.

As of August 30, Andhra Pradesh had reported 7,895 malaria cases, compared with 6,172 during the same period last year, marking a 27.9 percent increase. Cases have risen in Alluri Sitarama Raju, Polavaram and Vizianagaram areas. Officials are intensifying mosquito-control measures, fever surveillance and testing in these areas.

The second round of indoor residual spraying will be completed in Alluri Sitarama Raju, Polavaram, Parvathipuram Manyam and Eluru districts, with additional rounds to be taken up in vulnerable areas if required. Distribution of 5,99,367 mosquito nets to eligible beneficiaries has also begun.

The State recorded 1,475 dengue cases as of August 30, against 1,410 during the corresponding period last year, an increase of 4.6 per cent. Cases increased in YSR Kadapa from 48 to 128 and in Chittoor from 73 to 112, while they declined in Kurnool from 182 to 106 and Anakapalli from 99 to 64.

The Minister ordered immediate mosquito-control operations around dengue cases, including indoor spraying, fogging and removal of mosquito breeding sites. Special attention is also being given to scrub typhus. The State has recorded 941 cases so far this year. Cases in Alluri Sitarama Raju increased from 13 to 44 and in Parvathipuram Manyam from 15 to 47. Health personnel were asked to ensure early testing and treatment of people with fever, particularly those living near forest areas. In Srikakulam, food-borne disease cases increased sharply from 34 last year to 408 this year. Officials will inspect drinking-water sources, undertake water purification and strengthen sanitation and food-quality checks. Across the State, 930 food-borne disease cases have been reported this year.

In Kurnool, officials will inspect drinking-water sources in view of increased typhoid cases and undertake purification and sanitation measures wherever necessary.

Minister Satya Kumar also directed officials to strengthen disease surveillance and ensure that alerts are generated at all levels whenever cases cross predetermined thresholds. Special information systems are being used to identify emerging disease hotspots, while stagnant water, silted drains, garbage dumps and other mosquito-breeding sites will be identified and cleared.

He stressed coordination among the Medical and Health, Rural Development and Municipal Administration departments to ensure timely implementation of sanitation, mosquito-control and disease-prevention measures across the Sta

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