Reports of lymphatic filariasis in Khurda raises concern

Khurda: Even as the drive for mass drug administration to curb lymphatic filariasis in the State is continuing, over 90 cases of the disease reported from Khurda district have raised concerns of the health department.

As per sources, officials of Centre’s health department conducted a spot visit and reviewed the situation after the reports of people suffering from the disease came to the fore.

As many as 17 blood samples collected from Sardhapur area in the district have tested positive with filariasis due to which the officials have focused the area in a priority basis.

Regional Director of National Health Mission (NHM), Dr Somal Kar said, “We have collected 500 blood samples from various areas and if more than one per cent people are tested positive with filariasis in any  of the areas, we will consider that the disease has taken an epidemic proportion in that area.”

“Therefore, instead of sitting in a camp, we are making door-to-door visits to distribute the anti-filariasis drugs. But we need the support of the people to eradicate the disease,” Kar added.

What was more shocking is that the Central team recovered thousands of mosquito larvae from uncovered septic tanks and containers dumped inside the premises of the Sardhapur Primary School in the district. The team has also taken the samples for examination.

Meanwhile, officials of state heath department stated that people in the district are falling victim to the disease only because of the delay in taking anti-filariasis and lack of awareness among them.

“When we went to examine the circumstances in the backyard of Sardhapur Primary School, we found many containers and garbage dumped there, from which we collected the larvae. If the microfilaria contains L3 larvae, this will mean that the mosquitoes have become infectious with lymphatic filariasis. We have sent the samples for examination,” informed senior official of Heath and Family Welfare Department, Dr Deepak Kumar Swain.

“We have not made posters, only banners and leaflets have been prepared. The leaflets will be distributed to the people during door-to-door campaign,” informed Additional District Medical Officer for Public Health (Urban) of Khurda, Pradyumn Kumar Mishra

Meanwhile, sources claimed that 4,620 officials of the concerned department will distribute around 80 lakh anti-filariasis tablets in Khurda district from September 26-28.