State gears up to curb vector-borne diseases during monsoon

Bhubaneswar: With the southwest monsoon setting in across Odisha, the health and family welfare department has stepped up measures to prevent and control vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria, which usually see a rise during the rainy season.The department has directed all chief district medical and public health officers (CDM&PHOs) to strictly follow the standard operating procedure (SOP) for surveillance, prevention and management of vector-borne diseases. Director (Public Health) Pradeep Kumar Hota on Thursday said the state is fully prepared to tackle any outbreak and has put in place a comprehensive response mechanism.“All districts have been instructed to intensify surveillance and ensure timely detection of cases.

Necessary medicines, diagnostic kits and other logistics are available, and healthcare facilities have been asked to remain vigilant,” Hota said.Health officials said district administrations have been asked to strengthen awareness campaigns on mosquito control and encourage community participation in eliminating potential mosquito-breeding sites. Special focus has been placed on areas with a history of dengue and malaria cases.

As part of the preparedness measures, rapid response teams have been kept ready to investigate suspected outbreaks and undertake containment activities. Health workers have also been asked to closely monitor fever cases and ensure early diagnosis and treatment, official sources said.The department has instructed field-level staff to conduct regular inspections in urban and rural areas to identify and destroy mosquito-breeding grounds, particularly stagnant water bodies, construction sites, discarded containers and areas around households.Officials said coordination with urban local bodies, panchayati raj institutions and other departments has been strengthened to improve sanitation and vector-control activities. District authorities have also been told to ensure uninterrupted supply of insecticides, larvicides and fogging equipment wherever required.Odisha has witnessed seasonal spikes in dengue and malaria cases during the monsoon months in previous years, prompting the govt to enhance preparedness ahead of the peak transmission season.The health department has appealed to citizens to maintain cleanliness in and around their homes, prevent water accumulation and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, headache or body ache.In 2025, Odisha reported 2,635 dengue cases, significantly lower than 9,892 cases in 2024 and 12,845 cases in 2023. The test positivity rate has also declined from 5.61% to 1.83% in 2025-26. The govt is trying to reduce the number of cases further, official sources said.