News: India could be at the threshold of eliminating Kala-azar as a public health problem since she has managed to keep the number of cases under one in 10,000 for two consecutive years now as required by World Health Organisation (WHO) parameters for elimination certification.
1. Kala-azar is the second deadliest parasitic disease after malaria in India. It is also known as visceral leishmaniasis.
2. It is caused by a protozoa parasite that is transmitted by the bite of an infected female sandfly.
3. Symptoms of the disease include irregular fevers, weight loss, enlarged spleen and lever, and anaemia.
4. Anti parasitic drugs are prescribed for its treatment.
5. States like Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and parts of Uttar Pradesh have seen the highest burden of Kala-azar cases, with Bihar alone accounting for over 70% of India’s cases.
6. India has adopted strategies like early diagnosis and complete case management, integrated vector management and vector surveillance, active case detection, raised community awareness to achieve the goal of kala-azar elimination.
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