Rayagada: Malaria is spreading rapidly among students residing in hostels of various educational institutions including Sevashram and high schools in this district, sources stated here Tuesday. They added that the majority of the students affected by malaria belong to tribal residential schools under the Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste departments. This development has sparked concern among the parents of the students, more so after a Class VI girl fell prey to the disease, Tuesday. The sources said that more than 400 students have tested positive for the disease.
Sources said that 12 students are undergoing treatment at the district headquarters hospital here while nine have been admitted to Muniguda, Kolnara and Kalyansinghpur hospitals. The disease has hit approximately 40 schools. Among other places where students are undergoing treatment are the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur and SLN Medical College and Hospital in Koraput. A medical team has been pressed into service to tackle the disease.
So far, blood samples of 2,000 students have been tested, out of which 400 returned positive for malaria, Health officials informed here. They added that 10 students of Kereda High School, 11 of Bilesu High School in Rayagada block, and nine students of Anwesha hostel on the outskirts of the town are undergoing treatment after testing positive for malaria. Among other institutions where the presence of malaria has been found are Parasali Girls’ HS, (55 students), Polama HS (24), Talaanchalbadi School (103) and Belakana School (15). This apart, many students of various schools under Kolnara, Bissam Cuttack and Muniguda blocks have tested positive for malaria. Health department officials are conducting regular screening of the afflicted students in various schools. However, their work has been hampered due to the scarcity of malaria examination kits.
As a result, Health officials have decided not to conduct blood tests of all the students. They are identifying those suffering from fever and showing other symptoms of malaria and then testing them. Locals alleged that the unavailability of mosquito nets is the major reason behind the spread of malaria. They stated most of the hostels have not been supplied with nets since 2020. Parents also alleged that in many schools, authorities are not providing proper treatment to the affected students.
However, this allegation was denied by Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Dr Lalmohan Routray. He said the health department personnel are working round the clock to conduct tests and are providing medicines to affected students. State ST and SC minister Nityananda Gond was on a visit to this town Tuesday and gave instructions so that the students down with malaria are treated properly. He also informed that he will look into the allegation of mosquito nets not being supplied. When contacted, District Welfare Officer Bharat Bhushan Biswal said all the affected inmates of hostels are undergoing treatment in coordination with the Health Department officials. Directions have been issued to keep the premises of all the schools,” he added.
