As monsoon sets in, civic body and malaria wing gear up to prevent seasonal diseases in Visakhapatnam

As monsoon sets in, the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation and the district malaria wing have started a series of activities to combat seasonal diseases in Visakhapatnam

As monsoon sets in, the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) and the district malaria wing have started a series of activities to combat seasonal diseases in the city.

Visakhapatnam district, especially the urban region, reports the most number of cases every year. In some years, the district has reported most number of dengue cases compared to other districts in the State.

As per the statistics obtained from district malaria wing, during the year 2022, between January 1 and July 2, the district had reported 233 dengue cases from 1,210 samples. During the entire year, 1,083 dengue cases were reported. Similarly, this year, between January 1 and July 2, the district has reported 410 dengue cases from 2,568 samples.

As per the authorities, the rise in cases were seen during the first six months, due to increased testing. However, there are no casualities fortunately due to timely treatment.

Only two chikungunya cases were reported so far this year, when compared to 11 last year (entire year)

District Malaria Officer M. Tulasi said that if any person reports probable symptoms like high fever, body pains, retro-orbital pain, stomach pain, rash and a few others, testing is being done immediately. “Earlier, there was only Sentinel Surveillance Centre at KGH, but now, we have another centre at Aganampudi,” Ms. Tulasi said. She said that after confirmation, the areas are notified, while PHC concerned and malaria wing staff are informed. Adequate steps are being taken to prevent mosquito breeding.

She also said that by taking fever tablets and proper liquid diet, dengue can be treated within a week, if they have immunity. “We can avoid further complications by early detection,” the DMO added