The health department has ramped up surveillance in Bardez following the detection of 11 malaria cases among migrant laborers in the Aldona area. The infections were identified between March 31 and April 22, with the majority concentrated at a construction site in Carona.
Imported Cases Confirmed
Officials have confirmed that all detected cases are ‘imported’, involving workers who recently arrived from states such as Assam and Uttar Pradesh. Upon discovering the cluster, the Aldona primary health center (PHC) launched an immediate containment strategy. Measures included mass blood screening, anti-larval treatments, and extensive fogging operations across the affected site to prevent secondary transmission.
Routine Screening Detected Cases
Health department sources stated that the patients were identified after reporting fever symptoms during routine medical examinations conducted for the labor force. While the influx of migrant workers has caused some anxiety among local residents regarding potential spread, state health officials have moved to allay fears.
They emphasized that Goa’s status as an indigenous malaria-free zone remains intact. The state has not recorded a locally transmitted case since 2022 or a malaria-related death since 2018.
Health Official Reassures Public
Reiterating the state’s success in disease management, a senior health official stated: “Now we can, and must, say that Goa is malaria-free. Goa didn’t have an indigenous case in 2022 and no deaths since 2018. The situation is under control, and there is no cause for panic as these cases are imported.”
The health department continues to appeal to citizens and contractors to eliminate stagnant water sources and maintain strict hygiene standards to prevent mosquito breeding, especially as the state observes World Malaria Day.
