Surge in Malaria Cases in North Andhra Pradesh Sparks Urgent Health Response

NORTH ANDHRA PRADESH, India — Health officials are intensifying their response to a significant rise in malaria cases across North Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the districts of Ananthapuramu and Visakhapatnam. As of late June 2025, the Ananthapuramu district has reported 1,848 confirmed malaria cases and 10 cases of dengue fever since the onset of the monsoon season. In contrast, Visakhapatnam has seen 63 malaria cases and 119 dengue cases during the same period.

According to M. Tulasi Raj, the malaria officer for Visakhapatnam and Ananthapuramu districts, health authorities have completed the first round of insecticide spraying in 2,086 villages of Ananthapuramu. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat seasonal diseases prevalent during the southwest monsoon, which typically sees a spike in mosquito-borne illnesses.

Dr. S. Bhaskar Rao, District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) of Parvathipuram Manyam, reported that out of three lakh blood smears collected this year, 1,200 tested positive for malaria. The district has launched targeted house-to-house fever surveys and organized indoor residual spraying and anti-larval operations to mitigate the growing threat. “We have identified 914 villages as high risk, and we have requested drones to spray large water bodies, which are breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” Dr. Rao stated.

In neighboring Srikakulam, DMHO Dr. Anitha noted that the district has registered 16 malaria cases but no dengue cases thus far. “We are conducting medical camps in identified villages, alongside spraying operations, and we have also requested drones for wider spraying coverage,” she explained.

In Vizianagaram, there have been 238 confirmed malaria cases and 24 dengue cases, according to Dr. Jeevan Rani, another DMHO. The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has implemented drone technology to spray pesticides over non-drinking water bodies, which have been identified as major mosquito breeding sites. Naresh Kumar, the GVMC Chief Medical Officer, stated, “We have identified 64 non-drinking water bodies and are spraying ML oil with drones across 209 acres to protect public health.”

In addition to these measures, health authorities are distributing long-lasting insecticidal nets to tribal hamlets and remote villages to further prevent malaria infections.

The rise in malaria cases during the monsoon season highlights the need for effective public health strategies and community engagement in disease prevention. As health officials work tirelessly to control the outbreak, they face the ongoing challenge of ensuring public compliance and awareness in high-risk areas. The current situation serves as a reminder of the importance of timely interventions and the continuous monitoring of mosquito-borne diseases, especially in vulnerable populations.

As the rainy season continues, health authorities are likely to maintain vigilance and adapt their strategies to effectively mitigate the impact of malaria and dengue in the region. Immediate next steps include further evaluations of the efficacy of the current interventions and potential adjustments to resource allocation as needed.