Bhubaneswar, July 13: The Odisha government has swung into action to contain the spread of vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria in the state.
With report of around 500 dengue cases in the state and malaria menace in Rayagada district, Chief secretary Manoj Ahuja has directed 10 departments to initiate joint efforts to control the outbreak of these diseases.
While dengue cases almost doubled in the state in last fortnight, over 400 students of 40 schools have tested positive for malaria in Rayagada district during this period.
Odisha has reported 488 dengue cases by Thursday which was 288 as on June 26. The highest 130 cases have been reported from Khurda, as per the national centre for vector borne diseases control (NCVBDC).
Dengue and malaria pose a significant public health challenge due to their rapid spread and potential severity.the related departments should take all necessary steps through field functionaries for the prevention and control of the vector-borne diseases, said the chief secretary.
“Occasional spells of rain can result in an unprecedented rise in cases of vector-borne diseases. These diseases can be controlled if appropriate preventive measures are undertaken collectively at the district level,” he said.
Though dengue was known to be a mostly urban-centric disease, now it has been observed that rural areas are also affected due to rapid urbanisation and movement of people, he added.
The collectors and municipal commissioners have been directed to identify areas with high incidences of dengue reported in last five years, conduct detailed surveys with mapping and implement preventive measures like sensitising people, destroying sources of mosquito breeding and sample collection at the community level to contain the disease.
