INDIA.West Bengal: Black fever is also known as Kala-azar, it is widely spreading all over West Bengal. Already 11 districts recorded 65 fresh new cases.
The most affected districts are Kalimpong, Malda, Uttar Dinajpur, Darjeeling and Dakshin Dinajpur and some more cases are from Murshidabad, Birbhum and Bankura and Purulia.
So far, no cases are recorded in Kolkata. This black fever is mainly transmitted by bites of sandflies infected with the parasite Leishmania Donovan.
According to officials, “Kala-azar was practically eradicated from West Bengal. A recent survey, however, led to the detection of 65 cases in 11 districts. Now that these cases have come to the fore, the state will be able to tackle the spread of the disease.”
A bureaucrat at the state secretariat said, “Even if the infection is detected in a private laboratory or hospital, the doctor should immediately bring the matter to the attention of the district health officer.”
All expenses of treatment along with meals will be borne by the state health department. The district chief health officer will monitor the whole process. If a single person is affected by this fever, the centre will cure him free of cost.
Why is Black Fever spreading and how does it affects
The disease is caused due to malnutrition, poor housing, weak immune system, and affects some of the poorest people. Leishmaniasis is also associated with environmental changes such as deforestation, the building of dams, irrigation schemes and urbanization.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), people infected with black fever may experience irregular bouts of fever, weight loss, enlargement of the spleen, liver and anaemia.
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