Jamshedpur: East Singhbhum district administration rolled out a two-day malaria screening drive across Potka block on Saturday. Gram pradhans from more than 50 villages were also roped in to strengthen community participation in efforts to prevent a surge in cases.On the first day, 2,374 tests were carried out. Officials said 37 fresh cases of malaria were detected during the drive. Of them, 28 were Plasmodium falciparum cases while 9 were Plasmodium vivax cases.The special health camps are being conducted at 20 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and panchayats in Potka, which has seen a surge in cases. Twenty teams of medical officers have been deployed in designated areas, supported by Sahiyas and multipurpose health workers. Each team has been equipped with malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kits, medicines and other essential supplies to facilitate on-the-spot screening and immediate treatment of positive cases.The district reported 2,361 malaria cases between June 29 and July 17. Six deaths were also reported during the period, including four due to cerebral malaria and two linked to mixed malaria infections.Chairing a review meeting at Potka community health centre on Saturday, civil surgeon Dr Sahir Pall directed medical teams to intensify field surveillance, test all suspected patients, initiate prompt treatment for positive cases and maintain strict vigil in affected villages.Pall also visited a special health camp in Sangram panchayat and instructed healthcare workers to conduct door-to-door visits for testing every person with fever symptoms. On Friday evening, a sensitisation programme had been organised where circle officer Nikita Bala appealed to the gram pradhans to help health department tackle the surge in cases.District vector-borne disease officer Dr Mrityunjay Dhawadia explained malaria symptoms to them, urging village heads to support awareness campaigns in their respective areas. He advised all to encourage villagers to wear full-sleeved clothes, prevent waterlogging around houses, use mosquito nets and avoid self-medication without expert consultation.
