Assessment of Kala-Azar in Dumka District of Jharkhand, India

Abstract

Kala-azar is a vector-borne disease and a serious public health problem in India. Highly affected states in India are Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. In 2010, 14.87% cases were contributed from Jharkhand. The study was done to know the trend of disease in five year duration (2016-2020) in Dumka District, Jharkhand. Method – This was a cross-sectional study. It was executed in 10 Blocks of District Dumka Jharkhand. Convenience sampling technique was used in this study. Data analysis was done from the line-list of District Vector Borne Disease Control Office, Dumka. Result – During the 5 year study period there was annual reduction in the trend of visceral leishmaniasis. Male cases were more predominant. Age group >21 years were maximum affected. VL had affected all the 10 Blocks. PKDL cases were seen maximum in Blocks like Ramgarh, Dumka Sada, Kathikund and Gopikander. Conclusion- Annual reduction of incidence of Kala-azar reveals that the current Kala-azar elimination strategy is highly effective and elimination of disease from endemic blocks is possible. Further improvement in treatment, elimination strategies and accessibility of primary health care services in endemic rural areas can gear up to get over last-mile obstacles. Keywords: Visceral Leishmaniasis, Indoor Residual Spraying, Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis, Kala-azar.