Vector borne diseases still epidemic in J'khand

Ranchi, Nov 10 (UNI) With more than 31,000 drug distribution centres functioning in about 30,000 villages throughout the state, Jharkhand is still considered as the "breeding ground" of vector borne diseases.

Simdega district tops the list with more than 24 per cent vector borne diseases reported so far.

State Programme Officer for National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme A K Upadhyay revealed these facts taday in the concluding session of a workshop organised here to focuss on the health issues in Jharkhand.

Mr Upadhyay said though the health department was working with the mission to eliminate kala-a-zar and reduce the cases of malaria by 2010, both the diseases have spread in an enormous manner.

Malaria, Filaria, Dengu, Kala-A-Zar and Japanese insefilitis were being treated under the category of vector borne diseases.

Mr Upadhyay said four districts of Santhal Pargana area-- Dumka, Godda, Pakur and Sahebganj had been declared as kala-a-zar affected areas in the state.

Similarly, Gumla, East Singbhum, West Singhbhum, Jamtara and Simdega were the areas with a large number of Malaria cases.

He said preventive measures have been taken by the department by making people aware adding regular health checkup camps were also done by the department's especially in identified areas.

Mr Upadhyay said the climatic conditions were favourable for the diseases adding that parasites were more active under 14 to 30 degree Celsius temperature.

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