Malaria Outbreak Intensifies in Jharkhand's East Singhbhum, Six Dead, 1,731 Cases Detected

A sharp rise in malaria cases has triggered concern in Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district, where six people have died and 1,731 people have tested positive for the mosquito-borne disease within a span of less than two weeks, according to an official statement released on Friday.

The cases were detected during testing conducted between June 29 and July 10 across various parts of the district. Authorities said the situation is particularly alarming in Potka block , which emerged as the worst-affected area with 591 positive cases . Of these, 516 were Plasmodium Falciparum (PF) cases , 64 were Plasmodium Vivax (PV) cases , while 11 patients were found to have mixed infections .

Health officials also confirmed that four minors died of cerebral malaria in Potka , underscoring the severity of the outbreak and the vulnerability of children to the disease.

Other heavily affected areas include Dumaria , which recorded 404 cases , and Musabani , where 316 people tested positive . Ghatsila reported 191 cases , followed by Patamda (100), Dhalbhumgarh (38), Jugsalai (17), Baharagora (13), and Chakulia (7).

In addition, 52 malaria cases were detected at Sadar Hospital in Jamshedpur , while two cases were reported from Urban Birsanagar during the same period.

The surge in infections has prompted health authorities to intensify surveillance, testing, and treatment efforts across the district. Officials are closely monitoring the affected blocks and have urged residents to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as fever, chills, or severe headaches.

With Potka bearing the brunt of the outbreak and fatalities already reported, the district administration faces the urgent task of containing the spread of malaria and preventing further loss of life.