Impact on Vector-Borne Diseases in COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from a District in Jharkhand, India

Abstract

The study is aimed to assess the effect of COVID-19 pandemic and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) like banning mass gatherings (Lockdown) etc on vector borne diseases. This study can throw some light on the epidemiology of all vector-borne diseases under surveillance during this COVID-19 pandemic. This study is done in Dumka district, Jharkhand. Method- A cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 Blocks of Dumka District. Sampling technique used in this study was convenience sampling. Study of six month was conducted for vector-borne diseases from January 2021– June 2021.To know the epidemiology of vector-borne disease before and after COVID-19 pandemic, data from the year 2019 and 2020 was used for data analysis. Result – During the six months study period between January 2021-June 2021, maximum number of cases found in Dumka District was Kala-azar followed by Lymphatic Filariasis and then Malaria. There was sharp decrease in number of vector-borne disease cases. After data analysis between the year 2019 and 2020 reduction of cases was seen in Kala-azar (15.3%), Lymphatic Filariasis (8.9%) and maximum reduction of cases was seen Malaria (98.1%). Conclusion – A drastic reduction in reported cases of vector-borne diseases was noticed. To better understand the reason behind the changes in vector-borne disease prevalence a consistent and vigilant surveillance is required. Keywords: COVID-19, Vector-borne diseases, non-pharmaceutical interventions.