Gurgaon sees spurt in malaria cases, 19 reported this month

Government and private hospitals are reporting increase in suspected and confirmed cases of malaria even as cases of dengue and chikungunya are on the decline. Cases of malaria have so far been negligible this season.

Government and private hospitals are reporting increase in suspected and confirmed cases of malaria even as cases of dengue and chikungunya are on the decline.(Parveen Kumar/HT File)

Last year, the city recorded 201 malaria cases. In comparison, only 33 cases have been registered this year, of which 19 were registered this month, the health department said.

Doctors at Fortis Memorial Research Institute said cases of patients showcasing symptoms of malaria such as high fever with excessive shivering and body rashes are on the rise this month.

“The number of malaria cases is significantly lower than last year. But, there has been a sudden increase in the number of patients displaying Malaria symptoms,” Dr Raman Abhi, additional director of internal medicine at FMRI, said.

Medical examination of the condition shows spleen enlargement and reduction in blood sugar and haemoglobin. In the country, there are usually two types of malaria strains – Vivax and Falciform. “This year we are seeing Vivax strain infections in patients and chloroquine or artesunate are being administered as treatment,” Dr Abhi said.

Dr Sushila Kataria, associate director, department of internal medicine, Medanta - The Medicity, said five to six patients are visiting the hospital every day in the out patient department (OPD) with symptoms of the disease.

“We have seen fewer cases (of malaria) in the OPD this year. There has been a moderate increase in patients with symptoms of the disease in the last three weeks,” Kataria said.

Doctors at civil hospital said more than 20 suspected cases of malaria are reported at the OPD every day.

Though the health department said there is no reason for people to panic, basic precautions should not be ignored.

“Advisories of preventive measures such as using mosquito repellent, maintaining hygiene, keeping surroundings clean and not allowing water or garbage to accumulate are being issued to residents,” Pushpa Bishnoi, chief medical officer, Gurgaon said.

Mewat, the neighbouring district of Gurgaon, has recorded 4,443 malaria cases of the 6,695 cases reported across Haryana.

BOX

2015- 201

2014- 113

2013- 212

2012- 591

2011- 530.