Several West Bengal districts report cases of black fever (Kala-azar)

In July 2022, eleven districts of Bengal reported at least 65 cases of black fever or ‘Kala-Azar disease. Kala-azar was practically eradicated from West Bengal. Recent surveillance, however, led to the detection of 65 cases in 11 districts.

Key highlights

• Kala-azar or Visceral Leishmaniasis is a protozoan parasitic disease, spread by sandfly bites.

• Sandflies are brown in colour and have hairs on their bodies.

• The flies are infected with the parasite called ‘leishmania donovani’.

• The vector sandfly is known to live in cracks and crevices of muddy houses, especially in dark and humid corners.

• There are 3 main forms of leishmaniases of which kala-azar is the most serious form.

• The disease affects some of the poorest people and is linked to malnutrition, population displacement, poor housing, a weak immune system and a lack of financial resources.

• Leishmaniasis is also linked to environmental changes such as deforestation, and urbanisation.

• In 2020, more than 90 per cent of new cases reported to WHO occurred in 10 countries: Brazil, China, Ethiopia, Eritrea, India, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Yemen.

• Leishmaniasis is a treatable and curable disease, which requires an immunocompetent system and thus those having a weak immune system are prone to get severely affected.

• All patients diagnosed require prompt and complete treatment.

(Source: IE)

GS TIMES UPSC PRELIMS & MAINS CURRENT AFFAIRS BASED BASICS  DAILY ONLINE TEST CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ FOR STATE CIVIL SERVICES

MORE THAN 30 QUESTIONS FORM GS TIMES UPSC 2022 PRELIMS CURRENT AFFAIRS DAILY TEST