CURCHOREM
Health officials have begun a series of measures at Xelpem industrial zone at Xelpem, after 24 non-Goan labourers have tested positive for malaria since June.
The health officials said all possible preventive measures and detection drives are being conducted in the area to curb the spread of the disease.
Speaking to The Goan, Sanguem Primary Health Centre (PHC) Health Officer Dr Baptist Mascarenhas informed that 24 malaria cases have been reported since June. “Eight were detected in June and 16 cases in July,” he added.
“The Sanguem PHC medical team has been regularly visiting the construction site at Xelpem, where the cases have been detected. We immediately started anti-larval measures to avoid further mosquito breeding,” said Dr Mascarenhas.
When asked what steps the team was taking by visiting the infected sites to prevent further spread of malaria, Dr Mascarenhas said: “We have been taking preventive measures like making medical cards, blood checkup, etc, as the construction work of the factory has started. During monsoon, malaria cases are reported due to water stagnation at several places, which in turn leads to mosquito breeding. All the cases detected involve non-Goan labourers.”
When inquired about the reason behind malaria infection to non-Goan labourers, Dr Mascarenhas said labourers tend to carry malaria parasite with them to places, and the effect of the parasite is noticed after some days due to the incubation period.
“All detected cases pertain to the Vivax type and is easily curable. We have the facility to admit patients and also have adequate medicines to treat malaria patients,” he added.
He said his team has commenced fogging and spraying medicine at places which are vulnerable for mosquito breeding.
“We also advice people to get their blood tested in case of fever, as in case of malaria it can be detected at an early stage. Our medical team is visiting construction sites and undertaking instant blood checks of the people. In case someone is found infected, then immediate medical treatment is given to the patient,” added Dr Mascarenhas.
