Malaria cases may go up amid prediction of good monsoon

Chandigarh, July 4

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The onset of monsoon and the consequent rise in humidity levels in the city may lead to a spurt in malaria cases, warn health experts.

Talking to Chandigarh Tribune, Dr Ravindra Khaiwal, Associate Professor of environment health, School of Public Health, PGI, Chandigarh, said every year the number of cases shot up around July. He added that this year, due to predicted ample monsoon, waterlogging and poor sanitation may lead to a rise in such diseases as compared to previous years.

“Though the number of malaria cases rises every monsoon, the city may face the worse July in the past some time due to abundant rain,” Dr Khaiwal said.

“It is important to maintain cleanliness and proper hygiene,” Dr Khaiwal added.

The out patients departments (OPDs) at all hospitals witness an increase in malaria cases during this time every year.

Of all reported cases, 40-45 per cent are of viral fever-upper respiratory tract (URT) syndrome, 30-35 per cent of acute gastroenteritis, 15-20 per cent of typhoid and 10-15 per cent of malaria.

He added that people should not eat much street food during the rainy season and maintain personal hygiene to avoid infection.

A running nose, nasal congestion, headache, redness in eyes, cough, severe muscle and joint pains are common symptoms of malaria and typhoid. Meanwhile, medicos are anticipating a difficult time ahead. — TNS