3434 Students Test Positive for Malaria in Tribal-dominated District in Odisha

As many as 3,434 students of government schools in Kandhamal, Odisha (an eastern Indian state), have tested positive for malaria.

"The affected students are currently under medication. The health officials are keeping a watch on their condition," said Kandhamal District Collector Yamini Sarangi.

Malaria - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Prevention, Treatment
Malaria is caused by a parasite that enters blood through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is characterized by fever, vomiting, shivering, sweating and other symptoms.

According to sources, blood samples of 19,767 students of 214 residential schools run by Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes development department in the district were tested between July 6 and August 3.

The district administration launched a three-month malaria, dengue and diarrhoea awareness drive last week in the district.

"The accredited social health activists and other health workers will follow up the program. They will immediately refer such cases to government hospitals," said Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Sapaneswar Gadanayak.

Malaria Waterborne - Causes Transmission Diseases Microscopic Examinations Serological Examinations
Encyclopedia section of medindia gives general information about About Malaria Causes

Kandhamal district has recorded two deaths due to malaria this year. Last year, six persons had died of the vector-borne disease and two persons had tested positive for dengue.

About Mosquito Diseases
Mosquito-borne diseases, like malaria, filaria, dengue, etc are common in places conducive of mosquito breeding. Swamps, ponds and stagnated drainage provide optimal breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Source-Medindia

Fever / Pyrexia - Symptom Evaluation - Types - FAQs
Fever or Pyrexia is an elevation in normal body temperature. Causes of fever include infections, injury, cancers, inflammation, hormonal, metabolic and genetic diseases.