Srikakulam Collector Swapnil Dinakar Pundkar has urged the Medical and Health Department to meticulously monitor seasonal diseases, particularly viral fevers and malaria, which have seen an increase in reported cases across several areas. The directive was issued on Friday, July 17, 2026, during a press conference where the Collector emphasized the need for immediate remedial measures.
Intensified Surveillance and Door-to-Door Surveys
Collector Pundkar instructed all concerned officials and staff to conduct comprehensive door-to-door surveys to identify individuals suffering from fever and to initiate prompt medical interventions. As part of these efforts, a significant number of houses, approximately 2,93,561, have already been covered in the survey, with plans to extend the coverage to remaining households soon. The focus is on early detection and management of potential outbreaks.
Mosquito Control Measures and ‘Dry Day’ Initiative
A key directive from the Collector is the urgent removal of mosquito breeding centers to curb the spread of viral fevers. To this end, every Friday will be strictly observed as a ‘Dry Day’ across the district. This initiative aims to reduce mosquito populations by eliminating stagnant water sources where they breed. The Collector stressed that cleanliness in and around residential areas is paramount for protecting public health and preventing the transmission of vector-borne diseases.
Availability of Medical Supplies and Reporting of Cases
In response to the rising cases, the medical and health department has informed the Collector that five malaria cases were recently reported and that appropriate remedial measures have been implemented. Officials confirmed that all necessary medicines are adequately available in the Primary Health Centers across the district, ensuring that essential medical care can be provided to affected individuals. This ensures that healthcare facilities are well-equipped to handle the current health challenges.
Broader Context of Seasonal Disease Management in Andhra Pradesh
The proactive measures in Srikakulam are part of a wider state-level effort in Andhra Pradesh to manage and control seasonal diseases. Earlier in the year, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav had directed officials to intensify preventive measures against diseases like dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and viral fevers, especially during the monsoon season. This involved strengthening surveillance systems, identifying fever cases early, and implementing focused intervention plans in vulnerable areas. The state has also been exploring technological solutions, such as the AWARE platform, to enable real-time monitoring of seasonal diseases and facilitate swift, data-driven preventive actions. This platform integrates historical and live data to track communicable diseases and predict potential outbreak zones, thereby enhancing preparedness and coordination across various government departments.
Previous directives from the Health Commissioner of Andhra Pradesh, C. Harikiran, had also emphasized strict measures to prevent the spread of seasonal diseases, advocating for increased public awareness through various media channels. These efforts included alerts via mobile messages and coordinating with the Information and Public Relations department to create statewide awareness. The focus has consistently been on vigilance, particularly in areas where malaria, dengue, and chikungunya cases have been recorded, ensuring that preventative actions are targeted and effective.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
