Malaria and dengue cases on the rise in AP, officials step up preventive measures

East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Guntur and Chittoor are some of the most affected districts in the state.
Malaria and dengue cases on the rise in AP, officials step up preventive measures
Malaria and dengue cases on the rise in AP, officials step up preventive measures

In view of the increasing cases of dengue and malaria in parts of Andhra Pradesh, health officials in the state are taking preventive measures seriously.

In the span of six days between September 7 and 13, a total of 86 people were diagnosed with dengue in Visakhapatnam district alone while 118 cases have been reported in the entire state. During the same time, 56 cases of malaria have been reported in Andhra Pradesh, out of which 35 patients are from the district. Health officials note that this number only seems to be going up.

“We are finding that most people coming to the hospitals with high fever are diagnosed with malaria or dengue, and we are taking measures to ensure that people know what to do to prevent these infections. All public places are being sprayed and we are conducting awareness campaigns to prevent increase in the mosquito population,” explains Dr Susheela, District Medical and Health Officer, East Godavari district.

Health department officials in the state are also increasing preventive efforts against mosquito infestation. While fumigation has been increased in public spaces, awareness campaigns are being conducted to ensure that people know what steps to take to prevent contracting the diseases.

As part of the awareness campaigns, officials are going to different districts and teaching people about ways to keep mosquito populations from proliferating. This includes not leaving open containers of water standing around, ensuring that all excess water is drained and does not collect in and around homes, and also encouraging people to use mosquito nets and repellents.

“If we know that an individual has recovered from one of these diseases, we send a team there to ensure that spraying of pesticides is being done in and around the house as well, to reduce mosquito populations,” she adds.

In addition to these efforts, the government has introduced a mobile dengue and malaria clinic that is going door to door to help those who may be afflicted with the disease.

Apart from East Godavari district, Visakhapatnam, Guntur and Chittoor are also reporting an increase in dengue and malaria cases.

Dengue virus spreads via the bite of an infected mosquito. There are five serotypes (strains) of the virus that an individual can contract. High grade fever with myalgia (muscle pain) and general fatigue are the most commonly seen symptoms; if left unchecked bleeding complications, such as bleeding from the gums, may result. On the other hand, malaria is caused by a malarial parasite which is also transmitted to people from mosquitoes. The most common symptoms of malaria are also high grade fever with chills and rigors.

While there is no specific cure for dengue fever, treatment largely consists of giving an individual supportive measures to control symptoms. It is also essential for doctors to monitor platelet count in case of dengue fever. Platelets are cells in the blood which help stop bleeding in case of injury. If the platelet count drops too low, this may result in bleeding tendencies in an individual (for example bleeding from the teeth and gums) and can potentially result in dengue hemorrhagic fever. Doctors will routinely monitor the platelet cells in those who have developed dengue.

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