Assam: Malaria alert in Kokrajhar after 138 cases detected so far

The increase in malaria cases is largely attributed to improved diagnosis efforts in the district.

File pic used for representative purpose

Reported by Mizink Wary

Health authorities in Assam’s Kokrajhar district have stepped up their efforts in combating the spread of malaria especially during this prevailing monsoon. As per inputs, altogether 138 cases have been detected in the district this year so far, including a single dengue case.

Fortunately no fatalities have been recorded till date.

The increase in malaria cases is largely attributed to improved diagnosis efforts in the district. Affected areas include Balajan, Dotma, Kachugaon, Gosaigaon, Ultapani and vicinities of Kokrajhar town.

Dr. J.B. Roy, Director of Health Services, BTR spoke to Northeast Live about the efforts made by the health department to check further spread of the vector borne disease.

Roy said, “We have done mapping. According to that, the cases are more in Balajan PHC and Dotoma PHC and some parts of Kasugaon. The prevalence is less in Gossaigaon but it is uniform. Even malaria cases have surfaced in areas near Kokrajhar.

But there is no adverse fallouts so far this year as such- neither there is a rush of patients to the hospitals, there is also no report as of now which mentions about any seriousness of the matter.”

“These cases have been treated well at the Civil Hospital and Medical College and those patients have already been discharged with good results. We cordon the areas from wherever the malaria cases surface and thereafter we activate the public health measures. We are carrying out fogging in certain identified areas and overall as well. It is more necessary in urban areas where there are lots of drainage systems, since mosquitoes breed there,” the Director of Health Services, BTR further said.

Emphasizing that there must be more awareness among the people, Dr. J.B. Roy said, “One of our main strategy is to make the people aware about how this disease spreads. We have to educate people so that they keep their surroundings clean. Water should not be allowed to get accumulated, using smoke as a mosquito repellent must be done. When these things will be done there will be no mosquitoes. Use of mosquito nets while sleeping is of utmost necessity.

There is no casuality so far. People should not panic. Everyone must see that any disease diagnosed at the early stage can be treated with proper medication.”

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