If figures are anything to go by, malaria seems to be loosening its grip on Phuentsholing. Records maintained by Phuentsholing hospital show a steady decline in malaria cases over the recent years.
From January to July this year, the Phuentsholing hospital saw only 9 malaria cases. This is the lowest number recorded in seven months time in the last seven years at the hospital. Last year around this time, 25 cases were reported.
The hospital records show a steady fall in malaria cases. From 161 in 2004, the number dropped to a record low in 2008 with just 24 cases. Last year 50 cases were reported.
Health officials attribute the fall in the malaria cases to timely preventive measures taken to keep the disease at bay.
The use of insecticide treated mosquito nets is seen as another possible reason for the fall in the malaria cases particularly this year. The hospital has distributed more than19,000 insecticide treated nets to the Phuentsholing town residents and people in Sampheling and Phuentsholing Geogs early this year before the onset of the monsoon.
The health officials said people should use the nets even in winter. The hospital had come across cases where people had contracted malaria during winter months.
