Seasonal diseases down by 48 per cent in Andhra Pradesh
Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed the health department to constitute a national-level medical task force to study Scrub Typhus and recommend steps to eradicate it.
Naidu reviewed the functioning of the medical and health department at the secretariat and assessed the current status of Scrub Typhus, the treatment being provided, and the government’s preparedness.
Health officials informed the CM that 1,592 Scrub Typhus cases were reported across the state, with the highest number — 420 — recorded in Chittoor district. However, none of the nine recent deaths attributed to the disease was actually caused by Scrub Typhus, they said.
“Detailed medical audits indicated that all nine deaths were due to other health complications,” including multi-organ failure.
Officials said awareness campaigns were underway to educate the people about preventive measures, while special medical teams were conducting focused testing in affected regions. AP currently ranked eighth in the country in Scrub Typhus incidence, while Tamil Nadu and Odisha reported nearly 7,000 cases each.
Emphasising the need for strong preventive mechanisms, the CM asked officials to launch state-wide awareness campaigns. He ordered the formation of a task force comprising national and international experts to study the disease at the grassroots level.
Their recommendations, he said, must be implemented expeditiously to curb the spread.
Presenting a detailed report, officials informed the CM that the seasonal diseases across the state dropped by 48 per cent due to year-long preventive measures, sanitation drives and aggressive health campaigns.
Dengue cases saw a dramatic 56 per cent decline — from 5,555 cases in 2024 to 2,452 cases recorded so far this year. Malaria cases fell from 7,871 to 7,010, marking an 11 per cent reduction. Chikungunya cases dropped from 266 last year to 142 this year, registering a 46.5 per cent decline. Japanese Encephalitis cases came down from 11 to just 2.
Officials attributed the significant reductions to improved sanitation, consistent awareness programmes, increased testing and widespread precautionary measures.
During the review, Naidu said seasonal diseases must be brought down to zero through coordinated action across departments.
Calling lack of cleanliness the “biggest disease in society,” the CM remarked that many illnesses stemmed from poor sanitation. “If we eradicate unclean surroundings, we can prevent several diseases. Continuous awareness among the public is essential,” he said.
The CM asked officials to intensify preventive measures, particularly targeting diseases such as malaria, dengue and chikungunya.
Health Secretary Saurabh Gaur, Health Commissioner Veerapandian, NTR Health Services CEO Dinesh Kumar and APMSIDC chairman Gireesha participated in the review meeting.
