Bengaluru/Mangaluru: The vector-borne infections have seen a decline in recent times, but a grave outbreak continues to plague Bengaluru city. The city’s struggle with controlling these infections has cast a shadow, particularly in the wake of shifting monsoon patterns. Medical experts are growing increasingly concerned, especially in the eastern regions, notably Mahadevapura, Bommanahalli, and their vicinity, which have already recorded numerous cases. The Bengaluru Municipal Corporation’s health department has officially reported over 250 cases of dengue in just one ward in East Bengaluru, with the unofficial count likely much higher.
Mangaluru, a city in Karnataka, faced a similar situation in the past and even had to resort to implementing a ‘Malaria passport.’ The medical community in Mangaluru and the Dakshina Kannada district has pioneered several malaria control models that have not only proven effective within Karnataka but have also set an example for the entire country.
The National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), an integral part of the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, has been closely monitoring the concerning resurgence of vector-borne infections in the city. This resurgence, primarily concentrated in the eastern parts, poses a significant threat, exacerbated by erratic monsoon patterns. Experts from the Bengaluru Municipal Corporation’s health department have officially confirmed a significant number of dengue cases in one East Bengaluru ward, with unofficial cases likely exceeding this count.
Dr. SK Ghosh, former director of NIMR and a Fellow of the National Academy of Medical Sciences, asserts that vector-borne infections, including Malaria, are more of a social issue than merely a medical concern. Research indicates that mosquitoes, carriers of these infections, breed in freshwater sources, which explains the surge during and after monsoon seasons. Dr. Ghosh emphasizes the importance of effectively managing Malaria by eliminating mosquito breeding sites, such as stagnant water in old containers, discarded tires, flower pots, and coconut shells. He advocates for community involvement in landscape surveillance with support from BBMP health officials.
Research papers from the National Institute of Malaria Research in Bangalore highlight that the control of Malaria and other vector-borne infections cannot rely solely on chemicals and drugs; it must involve biological control through the elimination of breeding grounds. Dr. Ghosh suggests the need for a “social vaccine,” where the public plays a crucial role in identifying and rectifying mosquito breeding sites, with or without the assistance of the city authorities.
Dr. B.S. Kakkilaya and Dr. Shantaram Baliga, advisors to the Mangaluru model of vector control, emphasize the unique ability of the Malaria parasite to evade the human immune system, surviving within the host for extended periods while spreading through mosquitoes. This ability, shared with HIV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, contributes to the formidable challenges these diseases pose to global health. The adaptability and prolific breeding of mosquitoes make them challenging to control once they take flight, underscoring the importance of targeting the larvae stage.
The effectiveness of utilizing these scientific findings in BBMP health department strategies and ward committees’ actions is a matter requiring thorough discussion at the government level.
Vector-borne diseases, such as Malaria and Dengue, remain a formidable global health concern, impacting millions of individuals annually.
Confronting these infections presents a complex battle, compounded by factors like climate change and the emergence of insecticide-resistant vectors. Public health initiatives are in a constant state of adaptation to meet these evolving challenges.
Malaria: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2020, an estimated 241 million malaria cases were reported globally, with approximately 627,000 deaths. However, between 2000 and 2020, there was a substantial reduction in malaria-related mortality, with a 36% decrease in global malaria deaths.
Dengue:Dengue continues to be a growing concern. The WHO estimates that there are around 390 million Dengue infections each year, with about 96 million cases manifesting clinically. The incidence of Dengue has increased dramatically over the past several decades.
In the fight against vector-borne diseases, many countries have heavily relied on interventions such as insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying. These measures have demonstrated varying degrees of success in reducing the transmission of these infections.