Health Desks to be opened in Odisha to prevent Malaria, Dengue and Diarrhoea

"We have asked the Gao Kalyan Samitis to clean the village and avoid water stagnant which caused for the mosquito breeding," said District Malaria Officer Uma Kanta Mishra. Each Samiti was provided Rs 1500 for the purpose, he added.

The main reason for spread of dengue, chikungunya, malaria and Japanese Encephalitis was water stagnation, in which larva originates and spread infection, said a medical officer of the social medicine department, MKCG Medical College and Hospital here. The people should take steps to prevent water stagnant to prevent the breeding of mosquito, he added.

The drive assumed significance as Ganjam district was identified as endemic in the vector and water-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya, malaria and diarrhoea. While two malaria deaths were officially reported this year in the district, unofficial sources claimed more deaths. Last year, two malaria deaths reported, officials said.

Similarly, as many as 42 dengue positive cases were reported last year in the district, while one was reported this year. Though the patient belonged to Kanishi area near here, she got infected Benaguluru, they added.

As many as 115 diarrhoeal cases were reported from four places in the district in the last seven months, said Additional Medical Officer (public health) Pitambar Das. The cases were reported from Sheragada, Hinjili, Belaguntha and Sorada blocks, they said.