589 villages hit by malaria in Srikakulam

Srikakulam: In all, 589 villages across Srikakulam district are affected by malaria fevers out of them, 108 villages have been identified as high-risk areas. Malaria positive cases are reported more during every monsoon season in Sitampeta, Veeragattam, Bhamini, Sompeta, Kotturu, Pathapatnam, Meliaputti and Palakonda mandals.

This year district malaria wing and epidemic cell doctors and staff collected 1,26,784 blood samples from the people across the agency area of them 99 cases reported as malaria positive.         

The government has declared June month as anti-malaria month (AMM) this year to create massive awareness among people on epidemic diseases. “We distributed 2.55 lakh medicated mosquito nets to tribals across the agency areas but they are not utilising properly”, said epidemic and district malaria wing doctors.

“We are spraying indoor residual spray and alpha cypher methrine in 490 villages out of total 589 affected villages from May 15 this year”, district malaria officer Dr G Verraju told The Hans India. “We will involve school students after re-opening of schools to create awareness among people on vector borne diseases in all villages”, the DMO added.