According to a health official, Madhya Pradesh has reported about 1,500 instances of malaria and about 3,800 cases of dengue so far this year. During a press briefing, Dr. Himanshu Jayswar, the deputy director of health services, disclosed the figures. He added that there have been three or four probable dengue-related deaths, but inadequate testing has prevented the confirmation of these deaths.
Approximately 3,800 dengue cases were reported from 51,000 tests performed throughout the state between January 1 and September 20, 2023. Of them, Gwalior had the greatest number of confirmed cases—500—while Bhopal only reported 250 cases. Dr. Jayswar underlined that many of the deaths presumed to be caused by dengue occurred in other states or included patients who had not undergone the ELISA test, a critical diagnostic test for confirming dengue.
Approximately 1,500 cases of malaria have tested positive out of the approximately 70 lakh tests that have been performed in the state. Thankfully, Madhya Pradesh has not reported any malaria-related deaths this year. The state tests for malaria annually in an amount of roughly 1.10 crore, demonstrating its proactive approach to the fight against the illness.
Dr. Jayswar mentioned that 64 government laboratories in Madhya Pradesh are set up to perform diagnostic tests for dengue and malaria. These labs are an essential component of the state’s medical system, enabling prompt testing and vector-borne disease identification.
The administration has been aggressively handling the issue by carrying out thorough testing and implementing preventive measures, despite the high number of dengue and malaria cases. To lower their risk of catching these illnesses, the health authority advises people to adopt preventative measures including applying insect repellents and maintaining good hygiene.
Like many other regions of India, Madhya Pradesh experiences a seasonal increase in vector-borne illnesses, particularly during and following the monsoon season. To avoid fatalities, the state continues to prioritize early detection and efficient treatment. The government’s dedication to combating these diseases through broad testing and public awareness initiatives is highlighted in Dr. Jayswar’s report.
In order to stop the spread of these diseases and lessen the strain on the healthcare system, Madhya Pradesh is currently keeping a tight eye on both dengue and malaria.
SOURCE :
THE PRINT
