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Time of India
10 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
72% drop in malaria cases in Bastar from 2015, says admin
Raipur: Bastar division has recorded a 72% drop in malaria cases compared to 2015, under state's disease control programme in one of the most challenging malaria-prone regions, officials said. According to a data released by the state health department, the malaria positivity rate in Bastar has fallen from 4.60% to just 0.46%, while the Annual Parasite Incidence (API) in the region has dropped from 27.4 in 2015 to 7.11 in 2024. At the state level, the API has gone down from 5.21 to 0.98 in the same period. Compared to 2023, malaria cases in 2024 have seen a further decline of 8.52%. Health department officials said that the 10th and 11th phases of the Malaria Mukt Chhattisgarh campaign in 2024 focused on enhanced surveillance and focused treatment, which played a critical role in pushing the numbers down further. The state is conducting the campaign in alignment with guidelines from the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Malaria in Chhattisgarh is primarily concentrated in the tribal and forested districts, especially in Bastar division, due to dense forest cover, remote habitations, poor healthcare access, and favourable conditions for mosquito breeding. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The situation would get tense mostly when a number of security jawans would fall ill or succumb to malaria, after venturing out in forests during monsoon. Frequent incidents of malaria cases among jawans spotlighted the vulnerability of frontline forces and triggered a renewed push for preventive screenings and stricter bed-net enforcement among the troops. CM Sai said that it was a result of community-driven action, consistent fieldwork of health workers, Mitanins, and medical staff. Health minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal said that the target is to get all districts of Chhattisgarh malaria-free, and sustained efforts are underway to realize this goal. He noted that activities such as distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, door-to-door testing, rapid treatment, and community awareness have been key drivers of this progress.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Fewer dengue cases this year as new control strategies employed
Panaji: A change in strategy has helped the health services bring down the non-seasonal incidence of dengue this year. It reported just four cases this May — one each from Mapusa, Cansarvarnem and Colvale in North Goa and from Margao in South Goa — as against the 21 cases logged during May last year. The significant drop in infections is also reflected in the 33 dengue cases recorded from Jan to May this year when compared to the 116 cases reported during the same period last year, deputy director and nodal officer for the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, Dr Kalpana Mahatme, told TOI . An early start and comprehensive mapping of hotspots and places that reported upsurges of dengue last year helped the health services keep a close check on these areas. It has also started tyre collection drives and has advised people not to use tyres to hold down the plastic sheets on their roofs, but to use stones and other items in which water does not collect. 'We found dengue cases in Bhatulem, St Inez, Aivao and Taleigao, among other areas, last year, but couldn't identify the source of breeding until we saw water collecting on the tyres on roofs,' Mahatme said. The health department has also been coordinating with local bodies to get workers and trucks to collect water receptacles, scrap and other items, in an attempt to prevent mosquito breeding. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tukarkan Bitcoin dan Ethereum - Tanpa Dompet Diperlukan! IC Markets MULAI SEKARANG Undo 'In the past, our workers would collect these items, but the local bodies wouldn't get them picked up on time, and they would be lying there for days. This time, we have coordinated to ensure that these are picked up and that the area is cleared of the items the moment we collect them,' she said. Advocacy workshops for nodal officers of each department to explain their role in battling dengue have also started. In schools, Mahatme said, nodal officers are identifying students as health ambassadors to spread the message to keep the area free of mosquitoes. The health department also instructed its centres to investigate fever cases where health workers survey the areas to ensure there's no mosquito breeding. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
NDTV
28-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
How To Prevent Viral Infections This Monsoon Season
The monsoon season brings much-needed relief from summer heat, but it also invites a surge in viral infections. From flu and common cold to gastroenteritis and dengue, the rise in humidity and stagnant water creates ideal conditions for viruses and disease-causing microbes to thrive. Children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immunity are especially vulnerable. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), maintaining personal hygiene and taking preventive measures is crucial to reduce seasonal infections. Here's how you can protect yourself and your family from viral infections this rainy season and stay healthy throughout the monsoon months. Why monsoon increases risk of infections The high humidity and water stagnation during monsoon promote the growth of viruses and bacteria. Airborne infections like flu and cold spread rapidly in enclosed, moist environments, while vector-borne diseases like dengue are triggered by mosquito breeding in stagnant water. Wet clothes and damp surroundings also reduce your natural immunity. Below are mentioned seven tips to prevent viral infections during monsoon. 1. Boost your immunity with a balanced diet A healthy immune system is your best defence against infections. According to Harvard Medical School, good nutrition is key to a resilient immune response. Include fruits rich in Vitamin C like oranges, guavas, and amla. Add garlic, ginger, turmeric, and tulsi to your meals for their antiviral properties. Stay hydrated with warm water and herbal teas 2. Avoid street food and contaminated water Gastrointestinal infections spike during the monsoon due to consumption of unhygienic food. Food safety is especially important to prevent infections like typhoid and hepatitis A. Avoid raw or undercooked street food. Drink only filtered or boiled water. Opt for freshly cooked meals at home 3. Maintain personal hygiene Regular bathing and hand hygiene can significantly reduce the spread of viruses. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses handwashing as one of the most effective ways to prevent illness. Wash your hands frequently with soap, especially before meals. Take a warm shower after getting wet in the rain. Keep your clothes, towels, and footwear dry and clean. 4. Protect against mosquito bites Dengue and chikungunya cases spike during monsoon due to mosquito breeding. The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) advises immediate control of breeding grounds. Use mosquito repellents and nets. Wear long-sleeved clothing in evenings. Empty stagnant water from flower pots, coolers, and open containers. 5. Strengthen indoor air quality Poor ventilation indoors allows airborne viruses to linger. Keep windows open when possible for cross ventilation. Use natural air purifiers like indoor plants. Clean damp walls and mould regularly. A clean, dry indoor environment is essential for lung health and infection prevention. 6. Exercise regularly but wisely Regular physical activity improves immunity, but avoid working out outdoors in wet conditions. Exercise also helps manage seasonal blues and fatigue. Practice yoga or home workouts. Avoid gyms with poor ventilation during peak flu season. Focus on breathing exercises like pranayama 7. Get vaccinated and monitor symptoms early Stay updated with your seasonal flu shots and COVID-19 boosters. Seek medical attention if you have fever, sore throat, or diarrhoea. Isolate yourself if symptoms appear. Do not self-medicate, especially with antibiotics. Vaccination reduces the severity and risk of spreading infections. Monsoon is a time for renewal, but not at the cost of your health. Simple habits like good hygiene, eating right, and mosquito-proofing your home can go a long way in preventing viral infections. Stay cautious, stay clean, and don't ignore early symptoms. With proper care, you can enjoy the beauty of monsoon while staying healthy and infection-free. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
46 malaria fatalities since 2020: Officials
Aizawl: In Mizoram, malaria has resulted in 46 fatalities over the past five years since 2020. However, among the 873 cases identified during January - March this year, no deaths were reported, officials of state health department's National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) said on Tuesday. Last year's data revealed that out of 3,07,468 blood samples analysed, 16,899 individuals tested positive for malaria, with seven fatalities. The cases comprised 8,950 Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) infections and 7,949 Plasmodium vivax (Pv) infections. In 2024, Lawngtlai district in South Mizoram, which shares borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh, recorded the highest malaria occurrence with 8,067 cases and five deaths. The district also registered the highest annual parasite incidence (API) at 56.70 cases per 1,000 population and led in test positivity rate (TPR) at 16.60 per 100 tests. Following Lawngtlai are Lunglei and Mamit districts, both adjacent to Bangladesh, reporting 3,775 and 3,299 cases respectively, with one death in Mamit. Lunglei recorded an API of 21.63, while Mamit showed 32.44. Siaha district, bordering Myanmar, ranked fourth with 1,607 cases during the same period. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] 2025 Best Luxury Hotel Prices Expertinspector Learn More Undo From 2020 to 2024, the total number of malaria cases reached 59,119, with 46 deaths. The highest mortality was recorded in 2023 with 13 deaths, followed by 10 deaths each in 2021 and 2022. The year 2020 saw six fatalities, while seven deaths occurred during the previous year.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Dengue cases, deaths fall in Raj over 5 years
Jaipur: The number of dengue deaths has decreased significantly in Rajasthan over the past five years. The health department will conduct several activities to spread awareness on National Dengue Day (May 16). As per figures available with the health department, the state reported a 37 per cent reduction in dengue cases and a 91% decrease in deaths caused by it last year compared to 2021. "Effective implementation of prevention and awareness activities for seasonal diseases carried out across the state resulted in this decline in cases and deaths. There were 20,141 dengue cases in 2021; 12,979 in 2022; 13,924 in 2023; 12,514 in 2024; and 385 cases so far in 2025. The number of deaths due to dengue was 62, 10, 14, 5 and 0 in 2025 in these years respectively. The case fatality rate was 0.31 per cent, 0.08 per cent, 0.10 per cent, 0.04 per cent and 0.00 per cent in the past five years respectively," said Ravi Prakash Sharma, director (public health). The health department's activities on National Dengue Day will aim at raising awareness to prevent the spread of the disease. "Various activities will be organised under National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme on National Dengue Day with the theme 'Check, Clean Cover: Steps to Defeat Dengue'. Necessary instructions have been given to all districts in this regard," said a senior health department official. All chief medical and health officers (CMHO) have been asked to conduct awareness activities like making posters, writing slogans and pamphlets and the use of social media.
