Dengue cases treble, malaria numbers also rising in Maharashtra

MUMBAI: Dengue cases have nearly tripled in the state this year compared to last year, a surge partly attributed to testing figures returning to normal levels. A rise has also been noted in malaria; two districts—Gadchiroli and Mumbai—are mainly contributing to the cases. The diversion of manpower to prevention of Covid and vaccination is also believed to be hampering vector control measures.

The state has registered 5,944 cases and 11 dengue deaths so far this year, a jump from 2,029 cases and four fatalities seen till September last year.
In terms of malaria, the state has reported 9,289 cases and two deaths. In the same period last year, there were 8,783 cases and five deaths.
95% of malaria cases coming from Mumbai, Gadchiroli
Dr Pradeep Awate, state surveillance officer, said a rise in dengue cases is being reported from several districts. “It is concerning, and surveillance has been increased,” he said. Of the 11 dengue deaths, six have been reported from Nagpur district and one each from Wardha, Chandrapur, Bhandara, Ahmednagar and Thane.
State entomologist Dr Mahendra Jagtap said favourable weather conditions, intermittent rainfall, humidity levels, all conducive for the spread of dengue, is contributing to the increase. “Testing too has increased for both dengue and malaria this year. Last year, there was a drop in testing for almost all ailments,” he said.
The slide examinations for malaria, for instance, had dropped to 1.24crore last year compared to 1.72crore in 2019, a 28% decline. Dr Jagtap, however, admitted that vector control measures on the ground have taken a hit in many districts as trained staff have been sent to facilitate vaccination against Covid.
Gadchiroli and Mumbai are reporting up to 95% of malaria cases. While Mumbai contributes to almost 40% of the state’s overall malaria incidence, the tribal-populated Gadchiroli district accounts for 56% cases. Dr Jagtap said the state’s remaining 3-4% malaria cases come from the rest of the state.
The diversion of surveillance staff is affecting measures on the ground in two ways. Firstly, vector control activities, which include identifying and destroying breeding spots are not optimal. The second and more crucial part is monitoring of confirmed cases. Gadchiroli mainly sees falciparum malaria that requires treatment for three days, while Mumbai predominantly reports vivax malaria that has a 14-day treatment course. “We believe districts are not able to carry out the follow-ups to ensure that people have completed their treatment to reduce the parasitic load,” he said.
Dr Mangala Gomare, BMC’s executive health officer said there is no major rise in malaria or dengue in the city. “Malaria cases are seen only in endemic wards like Byculla, Parel, Worli, Prabhadevi. Some of them have dilapidated structures, sprawling railways tracks and workshops, which make vector control challenging,” she said.