Issued by: Dr. P. Jagadeeswara Rao, District Medical and Health Officer, Visakhapatnam | Date: 25.04.2026

Today, on April 25, 2026, on the occasion of World Malaria Day, the District Medical and Health Officer, Dr. P. Jagadeeswara Rao, flagged off a rally to mark the event. Subsequently, he administered a pledge to all the staff members, wherein they vowed to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings.

Speaking on this occasion, District Medical and Health Officer Dr. P. Jagadeeswara Rao explained that malaria is caused by a parasite known as *Plasmodium*. The disease spreads from one person to another through the bite of the female *Anopheles* mosquito. While symptoms of malaria include severe headaches, body aches, chills, fever accompanied by shivering, intermittent fever (occurring every other day), excessive sweating, nausea, and vomiting, individuals experiencing fever should undergo a blood test at a Primary Health Centre, any government hospital, or through health workers to confirm the diagnosis. It is imperative to complete the full course of treatment. Since malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes, it is essential to keep the surroundings clean to prevent mosquito breeding. Everyone should make use of mosquito nets. Care must be taken to ensure that there is no stagnant water accumulation either inside or outside the home. Any existing water containers should be emptied and dried out at least once a week. There is a potential for mosquito larvae to breed in discarded coconut shells, tea cups, used tires, grinding stones, and plastic containers.  Since refrigerators, air coolers, and flower vases serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, the public is advised to drain the water from them every three days. We urge everyone to actively participate in mosquito control measures, thereby contributing to the prevention of malaria.

The participants in this program included Regional Director of Medical and Health Services Dr. P. Radharani, Zonal Malaria Officer Dr. Prabhavathi, District Education and Publicity Officer Mr. B. Nageswara Rao, District Malaria Officer Mr. G. Vara Prasada Reddy, Assistant Malaria Officers, and other malaria control staff.

         District Medical and Health Officer,
                          Visakhapatnam.

                 K.V.SHARMA EDITOR