Black fever hits Villumala tribal area

Health officials say disease is curable and all preventive and control measures are in place

A case of visceral leishmaniasis, also known as black fever or kala-azar, has been reported from the Villumala tribal area near Kulathupuzha in the district.

The fever spread by sandflies affects the viscera and can be fatal if left untreated.

A 38-year-old man residing in a colony near the forest was referred to the Thiruvanathapuram Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) from the Punalur taluk hospital following severe fatigue and stomach cramps.

In the bone marrow test conducted at the Regional Cancer Centre kala- azar was confirmed and the patient is currently undergoing treatment at the MCH.

Health officials said there is no need to panic as the disease is completely curable and all preventive and control measures are in place.

Three types

“There are three types of visceral leishmaniasis and in the current case internal organs were affected. It has effective treatment and the disease can be cured completely. The major preventive measure is vector control,” said District Medical Officer V.V. Shirley.

After kala-azar was confirmed, a team comprising District Medical Officer, District Surveillance Officer, members of the Vector Control Unit and Malaria Unit visited the colony to identify the source.

“The District Vector Control Unit has made all arrangements to spray insecticides in the source and surrounding area. The 35 houses in the Villumala colony are currently under observation,” said Dr. Shirley.

Awareness campaigns

Awareness campaigns will be held with the help of experts and medical camps will be organised in Kulathupuzha.

Samples will be collected from animals with the help of the Forest and Animal Husbandry departments. For five days spraying and fogging will be carried out in the region.

The Health Department has instructed the residents of the colony to stay alert and immediately report the presence of sandflies in their homes or premises to nearby health centres or tribal centres. They have been advised to use mosquito repellents and use cloths covering full body when venturing into the forest.