The India Ministry of Health released their provisional data on vector borne diseases for 2014 Friday and it shows that there were 535 deaths due to malaria last year. Tripura and Meghalaya States saw the most malaria deaths with 96 and 78, respectively.

Image/CDC
Image/CDC

As a total nationwide, 1,070513 malaria cases were reported among the 36 states/UTs in 2014.

Lymphatic Filariasis cases in India also eclipsed the one million mark with 1,284901 total cases.

Other vector borne diseases for which there is data include Kala-azar, or visceral leishmaniasis (9241/11 cases and deaths), Japanese Encephalitis (1652/292), Dengue fever (40197/126) and more than 15,000 suspected chikungunya cases. India health officials say they have not reported a fatal chikungunya case.

The general strategy for prevention & control of Vector Borne Diseases is as follows: Malaria cases are detected by active and passive surveillance with the help of direct microscopy or Rapid diagnostic kits and are treated as per guideline; Kala-azar cases are also detected by active search and passive surveillance with the help of RDK and all positive cases are treated by single dose of Inj. Liposomal Amphotericine-B or combination of drugs; Integrated Vector Management including Indoor Residual Spray (IRS), Anti-larval measures including use of bio-larvicides, use of larvivorous fish and use of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs); Supportive Interventions including Behavior Change Communication, Capacity Building and Monitoring & Evaluation; Vaccination against J.E. and Annual Mass Drugs Administration (only for Lymphatic Filariasis).

This data was reported to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India’s bicameral-parliament) by Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda.