Thaindian News

Panaji, Sep 4 (IANS) The mosquito has been making a big buzz in Goa, hogging space in the media. The coastal state expects to see a larger number of malaria cases after the free fall in the incidence over the past five years.

From more than 6,000 cases in 2007, the number dropped to barely 900 cases last year, the state directorate of health services reported.

“But the bad news is that with four months to go, we have already scaled last year’s peak of 900 cases,” Dr Sachin Govekar told reporters Tuesday.

Dr Govekar is in charge of vector-borne diseases at the state directorate of health services.

What is worse, health authorities expect the number to climb in the monsoon, when mosquito infestation is higher.

“In July, we had a tough time, there were lots of cases. In the backdrop of the monsoon showing a resurgence towards the fag end of August, there is the possibility of more cases,” Dr Govekar said.

Goa reported no malaria deaths this year. Last year, there were two deaths attributed to malaria.

Meanwhile, a recent case of a schoolchild dying of dengue has caused alarm.