CHANDIGARH: Cerebral_ malaria, which earlier afflicted the North East em states of the country, is fast spreading in the states of Punjab and Haryana. Surprisingly, changes in the cropping pattern is cited as one of the main causative factors by medical researchers, “Instead of wheat, we are growing pacify. Stagnant water in the paddy fields acts as an excellent breeding ground for mosquitoes,” pointed out Dr. Harminder Singh, a well-known parasitology’s of the region who currently heads the Microbiology Department of PGI.
Cerebral malaria is curable if detected and treated within 10 days of acquiring it. “‘Butin India, a majority of cases do not get appropriate treatment at the right time,” he said. Referring to the effects of cerebral malaria, the experts pointed out that it takes about five days for the infection to catch. The fever is usually very high and remains constant, unlike in other types of malaria, where the temperature fluctuates.
The falciparum parasites, shaped like knobs, stick to the blood vessels that ultimately cutoff blood supply to the brain, causing death.
The instances of falciparum (Cerebral) malaria have gone up by 20% in the last two decades. At present, 40% of the total malaria cases are of cerebral variety.
Giving reasons for the resurgence of malaria, a doctor said: “Government health agencies have diverted their attention to family planning and AIDS, instead of malaria.” Citing another reason, Dr. R.C. Mahajan pointed out that there are certain strains that have become resistant to pesticides commonly used in India.
Dr. Mahajan said that the government is now adopting strategies to check breeding of mosquitoes as the malarial strains are becoming resistant “A particular variety of fish called the Gambusia Affinis checks mosquito breeding as it eats the larva,” he added. Regarding the treatment, the doctors said that without waiting for the test reports, one should take 600 mg of chloroquin.
“There are certain strains of malaria that are resistant to chloroquin, in those cases, quinine should be given but only on the advice of the doctor,” said Dr.R.C. Mahajan, head of the Parasitology Department.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 21, 1996
