Published Sep 13, 2026 | 3:12 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 13, 2026 | 3:14 PM
Malaria cases have increased in areas including Alluri Sitarama Raju, Polavaram and Vizianagaram.
Synopsis: Andhra Pradesh has recorded a 27.9% rise in malaria cases this year, with 7,895 cases reported up to August 30. Dengue cases have also increased by 4.6%, while scrub typhus and food-borne diseases remain concerns. The Health Department has intensified surveillance, mosquito-control measures, sanitation drives and preventive interventions across vulnerable areas.
Andhra Pradesh has reported a 27.9% rise in malaria cases this year, with 7,895 cases recorded up to August 30, compared with 6,172 during the corresponding period last year, according to the state Health Department. With rains increasing the risk of vector-borne, water-borne and food-borne diseases, the department has stepped up surveillance and preventive measures across the state.
Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav has directed officials to identify areas witnessing a rise in infections and take preventive measures without delay, particularly in malaria-affected tribal areas.
According to the Health Department, malaria cases have increased in areas including Alluri Sitarama Raju, Polavaram and Vizianagaram. Officials are intensifying measures such as indoor residual spraying, distribution of mosquito nets, elimination of mosquito-breeding sites and testing people with fever in these areas.
“Areas where cases are increasing should be identified in advance, and immediate preventive measures should be taken,” the Health Department said, quoting the minister’s directions.
The department said a second round of indoor spraying would be completed in Alluri Sitarama Raju, Polavaram, Parvathipuram Manyam and Eluru districts. Additional rounds would also be taken up in high-risk areas based on the situation.
The distribution of 5,99,367 mosquito nets to eligible beneficiaries has also been initiated, the department said. In difficult-to-reach tribal areas, special equipment is being used to eliminate mosquito larvae.
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Dengue cases have also increased, though at a slower pace. The state recorded 1,475 cases up to August 30, compared with 1,410 during the same period last year, marking a 4.6% increase.
Cases in YSR Kadapa rose from 48 to 128, while Chittoor recorded an increase from 73 to 112. In contrast, cases declined in Kurnool, from 182 to 106, and Anakapalli, from 99 to 64.
The minister has instructed officials to immediately undertake mosquito-control measures around areas where dengue cases are reported. These include indoor spraying, fogging and elimination of mosquito-breeding sites.
The state has recorded 941 scrub typhus cases so far this year. Cases in Alluri Sitarama Raju increased from 13 to 44, while Parvathipuram Manyam reported a rise from 15 to 47.
Health workers have been asked to ensure early testing of people with fever, particularly those living near forest areas, and to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. Officials have also been directed to keep the required medicines available.
The Health Department has also flagged a sharp increase in food-borne disease cases in Srikakulam, where cases rose from 34 last year to 408 this year.
Officials will inspect drinking-water sources, undertake water-purification measures and strengthen sanitation. Food-quality inspections will also be carried out.
Across Andhra Pradesh, 930 cases of food-borne diseases have been reported so far this year.
In Kurnool, officials have been asked to inspect drinking-water sources following an increase in typhoid cases and undertake purification and sanitation measures wherever required.
As part of efforts to control mosquitoes that spread malaria and dengue, the state will conduct a ‘Dry Day’ every Friday, asking households and local authorities to identify and remove stagnant water from homes and surrounding areas.
The programme will focus on containers, discarded items and other locations where water can accumulate and provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Mosquito larvae will be removed from identified breeding sites every week, while biological control measures, including the use of fish in suitable locations, will also be considered.
ASHA workers, health staff, village and ward secretariat personnel, and members of the public will participate in the programme. Its implementation will be monitored through an app.
The department said special information systems are being used to identify areas where infectious diseases are increasing. District-level data is being reviewed regularly so that preventive measures can be deployed quickly when a rise in cases is detected.
Officials will also identify stagnant-water areas, clogged drains, garbage dumps and other mosquito-breeding sites and take immediate action.
The Health Department said malaria-control measures, including indoor spraying, mosquito-net distribution and elimination of mosquito larvae, would continue. Rural development, urban development and health authorities will coordinate sanitation and mosquito-control measures in vulnerable areas.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
