Malaria cases in Andhra Pradesh plunge 72% in a decade

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh recorded a significant 71.57% decline in new malaria cases over the past decade, to 7,199 in 2025 from 25,042 in 2015. According to health department data, 625 cases were reported during the first six weeks of 2025, against 166 cases during the same period in 2026, marking a further reduction of 73.44%.Officials stated that intensified efforts are underway to achieve the goals set under the National Framework for Malaria Elimination-2030, with a particular focus on controlling indigenous (locally transmitted) malaria. Alongside malaria, the state has also experienced a consistent downward trend in cases of dengue, chikungunya, food poisoning, and other outbreak-related diseases.According to the report, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Parvathipuram Manyam districts had the highest malaria case burden. The case burden was high due to forested terrain, hilly tribal habitations, seasonal migration, project-related activities, and climatic factors.In 2024, out of 7,871 total cases reported statewide, 3,693 cases were recorded in Alluri Sitarama Raju district, while 2,654 cases were recorded in Parvathipuram Manyam district. Together, these two districts accounted for 80.63% (6,347 cases) of the total cases.In 2025, of the 7,119 cases reported statewide, 3,513 cases were recorded in Alluri Sitarama Raju district, while 1,820 cases were recorded in Parvathipuram Manyam district. Combined, these two accounted for 74.91% (5,333 cases) of the total malaria cases recorded in the state.Data indicates that no malaria cases were recorded in the past three years in Bapatla, West Godavari, and Konaseema districts. Furthermore, East Godavari, Annamayya, Chittoor, and Sri Satya Sai districts reported fewer than five malaria cases in 2025.Intensified vector control measures, including annual indoor residual spray (IRS – ACM 5%) from April to August in hotspot villages, with additional rounds in affected areas, along with anti-larval operations using chemical applications to prevent breeding, regular fogging operations, release of Gambusia fish in stagnant water bodies to feed on mosquito larvae, and drone-based anti-larval spraying in vulnerable areas, were implemented to curb the malaria spread, the report read.As part of preventive efforts, 89,845 mosquito nets will soon be distributed to tribal populations in Alluri Sitarama Raju and Parvathipuram Manyam districts. Fever surveillance was also strengthened, with intensified testing in affected areas to identify the nature of infections and initiate timely treatment and preventive action, the report added.