Cerebral malaria outbreak in India's Jharkhand: Here are the symptoms, precautions and why it's dangerous

Malaria, the infectious disease spread by Plasmodium parasites, is spreading in Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district. In the past week, around 150 people have been infected with its most dangerous variety, 'cerebral malaria,'  and four children have also died due to it.

Cerebral malaria is caused by Plasmodium falciparum, its deadliest strain. The growing number of cases has prompted the state government to direct all district administrations to develop a comprehensive action plan to combat the vector-borne disease. 

Cerebral malaria is a life-threatening neurological complication of Plasmodium Falciparum infection, resulting in coma and severe brain damage. The majority of cases have been reported from villages such as Kandar and Hithbasa, where medical teams are continuously monitoring the situation, providing medicines, distributing mosquito nets, and taking precautionary measures.

Cerebral malaria
When parasite-filled blood cells block small blood vessels to the brain, it can cause swelling or damage in the brain. This is called cerebral malaria. It can also cause coma and seizures, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Symptoms of cerebral malaria
a) Severe drowsiness, confusion
b) Rapid eye movements
c) Rigid neck
d) Extreme agitation
e) Seizures
f) Psychotic behaviour
g) Severe chills, fever
h) Vomiting, loss of appetite

In a letter to all deputy commissioners (DCs) of the districts, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Ajoy Kumar Singh directed them to ensure comprehensive action to prevent and control malaria with immediate effect.

"In areas where malaria cases are being reported, surveillance should be intensified by formulating an action plan on a war footing, and accountability should be fixed at every level to prevent the infection from spreading," Singh said in the letter issued on Wednesday evening.

Surveys will be conducted by multipurpose health workers (MPWs) and 'sahiyas' (community health workers) in areas with high numbers of patients with fever, the official said. 

"Every patient suspected of having malaria infection will undergo immediate testing, and if found positive, treatment will be initiated without delay," the letter said. Singh directed all the deputy commissioners to ensure that adequate stocks of testing kits and anti-malarial medicines are maintained at community health centres. 

Besides, vector control measures, such as insecticide spraying and larval control activities, should be intensified in the affected areas. "Malaria data should be prepared for each village, and rapid diagnostic test kits and essential medicines should be provided to the 'sahiyas' (community health workers) of the most affected villages," the letter added. 
(With PTI inputs)