459 children test positive for Malaria in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada hostels, mostly asymptomatic but concerns remain

RAIPUR:

A major public health scare has emerged in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district, where 459 children staying in residential hostels were tested positive for malaria. The outbreak came to light after health authorities conducted malaria screening for around 4,900 students across several hostels. The findings have raised serious concerns about the living conditions in government-run hostels meant for tribal and underprivileged children. Despite the region being malaria-prone, the hostels reportedly lack basic mosquito nets, and no solid preventive arrangements have been made to protect students from mosquito bites. Dantewada chief medical health officer Ajay Ramteke said that health screenings of over 26,000 children has to be done at school and we have covered a total of 4,947 so far.

“Tests included checks for malaria, anaemia, body weight, and other vital indicators. Out of those tested, 459 children were found positive for malaria. All diagnosed children started receiving treatment on the same day following the test. Over 90 percent of the malaria-positive cases were asymptomatic, showing no visible signs of illness.

Only about 10 percent reported symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or headaches.

But we are being careful with all those found positive.” Parents and locals fear the situation could worsen if immediate containment measures are not implemented. “There are no mosquito nets, no regular fumigation, and poor sanitation. The children are sleeping vulnerable and exposed,” a local health worker said on condition of anonymity. Speaking to TOI, Dantewada collector Kunal Dudhawat said, “We want 100% medical check-ups across all schools in the district to identify if there’s any child suffering with any disease.

When tests happen at such a scale, cases would come to the fore. Since there were fatalities due to malaria last year, we have to ensure no child goes untested and untreated if found positive. Most of them are asymptomatic and are fine.

” The preventive measures that we are taking includes providing mosquito nets to all hostels, cleaning thoroughly the corners and accumulated water due to rains, and shielding windows with nets, collector said. Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh health department claims to have intensified its efforts to eliminate malaria with the launch of the 12th phase of Malaria Mukt Chhattisgarh Abhiyan (Malaria-Free Chhattisgarh Campaign). According to official data, over 19,400 households have been reached so far, with 98,594 individuals tested for malaria. Out of these, 1,265 people tested positive and were immediately administered the first dose of antimalarial medication. A statement issued by govt stated that the most significant progress has been noted in the Bastar division, which was once a malaria hotspot, where the disease burden has dropped by 71% compared to 2015

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The state’s Annual Parasite Index (API)

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a key indicator in malaria surveillance—has also improved dramatically, falling from 27.40 to 7.11. Health workers have been asked to ensure nutritional support before administering the medicines to minimize side effects and ensure safe recovery.

Each case was documented and tracked using treatment cards, strengthening patient monitoring and follow-up care. Dr Priyanka Shukla

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Commissioner-cum-Director of the Health Department, highlighted that the campaign now places special emphasis on tackling asymptomatic cases, which are often left undetected but play a crucial role in the disease's spread. “Our focus is to break the chain of transmission by reaching every infected individual, on time, every time,” she said. A critical pillar of this campaign has been community involvement. From Mitanins (community health workers) and Anganwadi workerstovillage panchayats and local NGOs, grassroots support has been essential. These stakeholders have helped not only with testing and treatment but also with community education, promoting mosquito net usage, cleanliness, and preventing water stagnation.