Malaria cases increase in some localities

According to the Department of Preventive Medicine , according to the report of the infectious disease reporting system from the beginning of the year until now, Lai Chau province recorded 64 cases of malaria, an increase of 16.4% over the same period in 2022, concentrated in Muong Te district; Khanh Hoa province recorded 81 cases of malaria, an increase of 100% over the same period in 2022 (no cases recorded), concentrated in Khanh Vinh district.

The results of the inspection and assessment of the malaria situation in the field show that the main causes are the area being in a region with severe malaria transmission, mountainous geographical conditions and difficult economy , mainly ethnic minorities with low education; the number of people working in fields, exploiting agricultural and forestry products is high, but the proactive detection of cases, disease outbreaks, management of infected and at-risk subjects of malaria has not been effectively implemented; many people are subjective, do not comply with treatment, communication work on malaria prevention is limited; coordination between authorities, departments and sectors in malaria prevention is limited.

To strengthen the prevention and control of malaria in Muong Te district, Lai Chau province and Khanh Vinh district, Khanh Hoa province; the Department of Preventive Medicine requests the Department of Health of Lai Chau province and the Department of Health of Khanh Hoa province to direct the implementation of a number of contents, specifically:

Synthesize and analyze in depth the malaria situation, clearly identify the causes of increased malaria and assess the risk of malaria in the area. Check and evaluate the implementation of monitoring activities, early detection, sample collection, and treatment of malaria cases in localities.

Directing the strengthening of surveillance, diagnosis, detection, and treatment according to the correct regimen to limit the risk of severe malaria and death, localizing the area for timely and thorough treatment of the disease source and limiting the spread to the community. Organizing training courses to improve skills in surveillance, testing, and treatment for local health workers.

Develop a plan to respond to the increase in malaria cases and report to the Provincial People's Committee for approval to promptly implement in order to prevent and control the increase in malaria in the area; strengthen inter-sectoral coordination to effectively implement preventive measures to address the malaria situation in the locality.

At the same time, organize communication on malaria prevention measures for high-risk groups and people in malaria-affected areas; use mosquito nets at home and in the forest or fields; and use full treatment drugs according to instructions when contracting malaria. Provide mosquito nets and hammocks with insecticides and mosquito repellent creams; apply insecticides to mosquito nets for people and spray residual insecticides in households and high-risk areas.

These provinces also need to strengthen and promote the effective operation of the malaria prevention system, especially the commune, village and hamlet health care system. Ensure the allocation of human resources to meet the requirements for malaria prevention activities; provide guidance and pay for the purchase of chemicals, monitoring costs, pay for workers spraying chemicals and treating mosquito nets, train those participating in epidemic prevention and other malaria prevention activities.

The Department of Preventive Medicine recommends that these provinces closely monitor the development of the malaria situation and evaluate the results of implementing preventive measures to provide timely guidance to localities. At the same time, step up efforts to prevent other epidemics in the province./.

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