TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Malaria has raised their ugly head in Aquem-Baixo, with the health authorities confirming outbreak of malaria in the village located on the outskirts of the commercial capital.
A total of 19 malaria cases have been detected this month itself, with Curtorim Primary Health Officer Dr Rajendra Borkar admitting that the outbreak of malaria is indeed a matter of concern.
“Of the 19 cases, two cases were plasmodium falciparum, while the remaining were plasmodium vivex cases”, informed Dr Borkar, while admitting that amongst the affected are two local villagers.
The cases were detected from around construction sites, but Dr Borkar pointed out that some of the affected persons are employed and were working in neighbouring Margao. Barring two, he said the remaining 17 persons were also traced, while some of them have returned back to their native states.
“Our health workers and sanitary inspectors have visited the site of the malaria outbreak and they have come out with preliminary reports. They have also found the presence of migrant workers in a hotel in the locality. One of the storm water drains was also not constructed properly. Though some of the victims were working in Margao, they were putting up in rental premises at Aquem-Baixo”, Dr Borkar said.
In a bid to stop the further spread of malaria in the village, the Curtorim Primary Health Centre will launch a major drive in the village on Tuesday with the cooperation of the village panchayat. “All our strength will be devoted in Aquem-Baixo on Tuesday. In addition to our three fogging machines, we have requisitioned fogging machines and other equipments from the Margao Urban Health Centre”, Dr Borkar added, while exuding confidence that the situation should return to normal within eight days.
Meanwhile, relatives of dengue patients from Salcete claimed that they have been finding it difficult to get blood platelets from the Goa Medical College Blood Bank. “There are patients who urgently require blood, but the GMC insists on blood donors. How many blood donors can we arrange when dengue patients require blood platelets every now and then”, remarked a relative of a dengue patient from Navelim.
