Andhra Pradesh steps up fight against malaria, dengue and scrub typhus as cases rise
Andhra Pradesh has intensified its public health response after a marked rise in cases of malaria, dengue, scrub typhus and illnesses spread through contaminated food and water.
The Department of Health, Medical and Family Welfare said it is shifting its focus to surveillance and preventive measures to contain the spread of these diseases. On Sunday, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav directed officials to identify the areas reporting a rise in cases and to step up indoor residual spraying, distribute mosquito nets and remove mosquito breeding sites, particularly in malaria-prone tribal areas.
Officials have also been asked to identify waterlogged areas and strengthen vector-control measures in places where dengue cases have been reported, according to a departmental release.
As of August 30, the State had recorded 7,895 malaria cases, an increase of 27.9% from 6,172 cases in the same period last year. The rise has been reported from the districts of Alluri Sitarama Raju, Polavaram and Vizianagaram.
Dengue cases stood at 1,475 this year, compared with 1,410 last year, a rise of 4.6%. Scrub typhus cases have reached 941, with increases reported in Alluri Sitarama Raju and Parvathipuram Manyam districts.
The sharpest jump has been in food-borne illness in Srikakulam district, where cases rose from 34 last year to 408 this year.
Officials have been directed to observe a “Dry Day” every Friday to eliminate stagnant water and mosquito breeding sites, with ASHA workers, health staff, local government personnel and residents taking part.
The figures released by the department cover cases recorded by the public health system up to August 30 and do not represent the full year.
Malaria and dengue are both transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which breed in stagnant water. This makes the removal of standing water — in discarded tyres, tanks, coconut shells, flower pots and blocked drains — a central part of control efforts, along with insecticide spraying and the use of mosquito nets.
Scrub typhus, however, is caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of larval mites, commonly found in scrub vegetation and grassy areas. Its control depends more on avoiding mite-infested ground, wearing protective clothing and ensuring early diagnosis and treatment than on mosquito control alone.
Illnesses spread through food and water typically rise when drinking water sources are contaminated or when food is handled and stored in unhygienic conditions. The scale of the increase in Srikakulam — from 34 cases to 408 — suggests a need for closer inspection of local water sources and food-handling practices, in addition to medical treatment.
Health officials have said the current drive will concentrate on districts reporting the steepest increases, with field staff asked to report case clusters quickly so that local action can follow. Residents have been urged to cooperate with the weekly clean-up and to seek medical attention early if they develop fever, body ache, rash or other symptoms associated with these infections, rather than self-medicating.
The department has not announced any restrictions on movement or public gatherings in the affected districts.
