Malkangiri Malaria Cases Rise, 7,239 Reported in 7 Months

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Malkangiri has recorded 7,239 malaria cases in seven months, including 2,816 cases in July.
Three people have died from malaria in the district this year.
A state health team will visit Malkangiri on September 7 to assess prevention and treatment measures.

Malkangiri: The Malkangiri malaria cases have increased sharply this year, with 7,239 positive cases detected in the district over seven months. July alone accounted for 2,816 cases, while three malaria-related deaths have been reported in the district this year.

The rise in infections has prompted a state-level review of the situation. A task force meeting chaired by Health Commissioner-cum-Secretary Ashwathi S. was held at Kharavela Bhavan in Bhubaneswar to assess the district’s malaria situation.

Following the meeting, a state team led by the Additional Director for Vector-Borne Diseases will visit Malkangiri on September 7.

Malkangiri Malaria Cases Trigger State-Level Review

The visiting team will assess the malaria situation across different blocks, with particular attention to Swabhiman areas and tribal residential schools.

Officials will review several aspects of the response, including:

Detection of malaria patients
Treatment and follow-up
Distribution of mosquito nets
Blood testing
Public awareness programmes

The team will submit a detailed report to the Health Department after completing the assessment.

Kudumulugumma Accounts for 40% of Malaria Cases

According to officials, malaria infections had declined significantly after 2016 but have started increasing again since 2024.

The rise has been particularly noticeable during the monsoon period from June to October, when mosquito breeding increases.

Kudumulugumma block has emerged as a major hotspot, accounting for around 40% of the reported infections. The block has recorded 2,858 malaria patients.

The concentration of cases in the block has added to concerns over the effectiveness of ongoing prevention and control measures.

Political Leaders Question Malaria Control Measures

The increase in cases has also triggered criticism from political leaders over the implementation of malaria control programmes.

BJD district president Manas Madkami questioned the mosquito net distribution process and demanded an investigation into the matter. MLA Mangu Khilla said he would raise the issue in the Odisha Assembly.

The criticism centres on whether the funds being spent on malaria control measures are producing the intended results in affected areas.