\There is 22 per cent decline in Malaria cases and 47 per cent in Falciparum Malaria patients this year till the month of July compared to last year owing to the alertness of Health Department. Insecticides were sprayed in 31 districts most affected by Malaria. Along with this medicated mosquito nets were distributed free-of-cost to about 25 lakh persons in 13 districts. Health Department informed this on Sunday during a daily review of infectious diseases.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Rustum Singh told people that in case of fever, they must immediately go for a blood test and if found malaria-positive, they must not be negligent and get themselves treated without delay. He said that there is arrangement of free testing and treatment of patients with fever in State’s Government hospitals. Malaria test is being done with Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits from sub-health centres to rural areas. There is arrangement for three-day complete treatment for Falciparum patients and 14-days complete treatment free-of-cost for Vivax Malaria cases.
Special arrangements have been made in rural areas for prevention from malaria. ASHA workers have been trained to tackle cases with Malaria symptoms like fever with chills, fever with perspiration, shivering, retching, vomiting, headache etc. Apart from insecticide sprays, people are being made aware of malaria prevention.
Singh has appealed people to make use of mosquito nets while sleeping, wear full-sleeved dresses, not to allow water stagnation in and around their houses, drain stagnant water, put burnt oil or kerosene in pits or places where draining stagnant water is not possible to destroy mosquito larvae. Pregnant women must consult a doctor in case of fever and get treatment. Out of nine dengue tests conducted on August 4, one patient of Hoshangabad tested positive. One sample each of Chikungunia and Swine Flu has been sent for testing. Two test reports of swine flu from Bhopal are awaited.