Malaria and Dengue Cases Surge in North Andhra: ASR, Visakhapatnam Worst Affected

Malaria and dengue cases continue to rise across north Andhra districts this monsoon season, with Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) and Visakhapatnam districts reporting the highest numbers. Health officials have intensified spraying, anti-larval operations, and drone-based measures to control mosquito breeding.

ASR district reported 227 malaria and three dengue cases in August alone, according to Malaria Officer M. Tulasi Raj. Since January, the district has recorded 1,848 malaria and 10 dengue cases. Visakhapatnam district reported five malaria and 41 dengue cases in August, and a cumulative 63 malaria and 119 dengue cases since January. “We have completed spraying in 2,086 villages in ASR. In Visakhapatnam, large-scale anti-larval operations are also underway,” Mr. Tulasi said.

In Parvathipuram Manyam, District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) S. Bhaskar Rao said three lakh blood smears have been collected this year, with 1,200 testing positive for malaria. The district has not reported dengue cases so far. “We have identified 914 high-risk villages and taken up spraying and anti-larval operations. Drones have been sought to cover large water bodies,” he said.

Srikakulam has reported 31 malaria and three dengue cases since January, while Vizianagaram registered 44 malaria and nine dengue cases in July, and 35 malaria and 12 dengue cases in August.

In urban areas, the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has introduced drones to curb mosquito breeding. Sixty-four non-drinking water bodies across 209 acres were identified as high-risk, and ML oil is being sprayed using drones at six litres per acre.

To protect vulnerable populations, especially in tribal hamlets, health officials are distributing long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets across interior villages.