Keonjhar: There was a time when this district was infamous in the whole country as a hotspot of malaria owing to the alarming rate at which the disease infected people and the large number of deaths. It was brought under control in the last few years after the Health department organised various awareness campaigns and prevention programmes. The fear associated with malaria gradually evaporated from the minds of the people.
However, this year, malaria has once again reared its ugly head in this district. Health officials are concerned at the alarming rate in which this disease is spreading. In March, a total of nine positive cases were reported in this district, while this month, six people have allegedly been infected in Joda area in just three days.
A few months back, the spreading of dengue in Joda was the topic of discussion, but now the return of malaria has become a matter of concern for all. Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), Keonjhar, Dr Kishore Chandra Prusty confirmed that nine malaria cases have been reported in March. He, however, added that the final test report of the six suspected cases in Joda is yet to come. Locals said that unseasonal rains in the recent past could be the main cause of the rising malaria cases. Many people in Joda locality are down with cold and fever and their samples have been sent for testing. Only after the reports arrive, a clear picture about how the disease is spreading will emerge, they added. Among those suffering from high fever and cold, are infants also.
Till last year, mosquito nets were being distributed among people and fumigation vehicles were being used in each ward of Joda Municipality. This year, however, the administration has not taken any such preventive measures so far. It can be one of the reasons for the spread of malaria, locals opined. Locals said diseases such as malaria and dengue can only be prevented if the municipality takes up cleanliness and fumigation drives, distribution of mosquito nets and starts awareness campaigns among other preventive measures.
