A look at the past cases of malaria reported reveals there has been a decline in the number
The state government has announced malaria eradication by 2022, a decade prior to the deadline of country. Authority at Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has pulled up their socks for Malaria elimination from city.
A look at the number of malaria cases reported in the city since 2012 (barring 2016), reveals that the administration has been successful in controlling its incidence so far.
Municipal commissioner Mukesh Kumar said, "With several IEC activities and constant monitoring, we have brought down the number of malaria cases. During the critical condition of bucket rain situation, our team had conducted fogging, anti-larva and insecticide sprinkling activity."
"Our team are still fogging and conducting anti-larva activity round the year. People also need to follow the instructions of AMC to prevent mosquito breeding," added Kumar.
On eradication of malaria, Dr Bhavin Solanki, in-charge medical officer of AMC, said, "We have managed to curb the vector. We have also seen a decline in the number of cases compared to the past years. Cases of falciparum and malaria both are on decline."
"What is strange is that, despite having nominal mosquito density, we are reporting cases of malaria. It is believed that these are relapse cases. Those who were detected with malaria but did not follow medical treatment for 14 days, see a relapse," he explained.
According to entomologist Rajesh Sharma, "There is decline in the mosquito density. Malaria is caused by plasmodium parasite. The parasite can spread to human through the bite of infected mosquitoes."
People often stop taking malaria medication once the fever subsides; they become potential carriers of malaria. "Infected person have high chances of relapse if they do not complete course of 14 days of medication. When such a person's immunity goes down, there are high chances of contracting malaria again, regardless of a mosquito bite," said Dr Pravin Garg, MD, senior physician.
"Though the government is claiming that they are working towards malaria eradication, it is not possible. It can be controlled, but not eradication," added Dr Garg.
Gaurav Dahiya, Mission Director, National Health Mission of the state government, said, "We are trying to eradicate malaria, and it is achievable. We have prepared a road map for the same and it has been rolled out in May 2017. After that we have seen a decrease in the number of malaria cases."
HEALTH CHECK
- AMC has organized an orientation workshop on Wednesday for general practitioners in city regarding follow up of the malaria cases.
- AMC is providing free of cost medicine to the patients.
- In 2017, 104 — the fever helpline was made operational by the state government.
CASES IN AHD
2015
7354
2016
11089
2017
8938
2018
317
(Till April 21)
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