RAIPUR: A severe malaria outbreak has affected over 2000 individuals, including women, children, and the elderly, in the tribal villages of Bijapur district in Bastar region. In response, the health department has launched an extensive screening campaign, targeting at least 2 lakh people. The epidemic has also spread to other districts, including Raipur and Bilaspur, where cases of malaria and diarrhoea are on the rise.
Health officials report that 2071 people have tested positive for malaria, primarily from rural areas. Medical teams are actively investigating and treating these cases under the collector’s directives. Samples were collected from schools, residential ashrams, and villages, revealing 1090 cases among children and 981 among villagers.
Dr. B.R. Pujari, CMHO, noted that malaria screening is being conducted using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits, with adequate supplies ensuring efficient testing. So far, 1,96,028 villagers and 24,076 school children have been tested. Additionally, 77% of the district has been covered with malaria medicine spraying.
In Bijapur block’s Gangaluur and Usur areas, and Bhairamgarh block across the Indravati river, most malaria cases have been found. The remote locations pose challenges for health staff conducting screenings.
Seasonal diseases, including a new viral fever variant causing cold, cough, and diarrhea, are also rampant. Over 50 patients are admitted to government hospitals daily, with clinics overwhelmed by queues. A new 10-bed epidemic ward has been established at CIMS Medical College hospital in Bilaspur to treat serious cases.
