East Singhbhum Battles Malaria Surge as 1,731 Cases Emerge ## Six Deaths Reported as District Intensifies Anti-Malaria Drive ### Key Points: – 1,731 malaria cases detected in 12 days across the district – Six deaths reported amid rising PF malaria infections – Health teams intensified spraying, fogging, and surveillance JAMSHEDPUR – East Singhbhum witnessed a sharp malaria surge after 1,731 infections and six deaths were reported within 12 days, prompting intensified preventive measures across affected villages. The district administration intensified containment efforts. Health teams continued extensive screening operations. Moreover, awareness campaigns reached several affected villages. Fogging and insecticide spraying also continued. Between June 29 and July 10, officials screened 77,770 people. The campaign included 71,849 rapid diagnostic tests. Additionally, 5,921 blood slide examinations were conducted. Health workers confirmed 1,731 malaria infections. The district recorded a 2.41 percent positivity rate. Meanwhile, July 10 recorded the highest daily screening. Officials tested 14,200 residents that day. They detected 128 fresh malaria cases. Furthermore, Potka reported the highest daily caseload. The block registered 35 new infections. Ghatshila and Patamda reported 21 cases each. Moreover, Dumaria recorded 19 new patients. Urban Mango reported no fresh infections. Urban Birsanagar also remained without new cases. However, Plasmodium falciparum remained the biggest concern. The strain causes severe cerebral malaria. Among 1,731 patients, 1,361 carried the PF variant. Additionally, 93 of 128 new patients had PF infections. District Malaria Officer Dr. Mrityunjay Dhauria reviewed ongoing operations. He said intensive control measures continued across affected villages. Moreover, DDT and IRS spraying covered nine villages. Special fogging was conducted in one Potka village. He urged residents to prevent water stagnation. Furthermore, people were advised to use mosquito nets regularly. Residents with fever were urged to seek immediate testing. Early treatment was also strongly recommended.
