Malaria, dengue cases down as GVMC steps up in preventive measures in Visakhapatnam

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has intensified preventive measures against seasonal vector-borne diseases, with malaria and dengue cases registering a decline this year, compared to the corresponding period last year.

According to GVMC officials, the city recorded 91 malaria cases in 2025, of which 74 were reported in the first seven months till July. In comparison, 30 malaria cases have been reported during the same period this year.

A similar trend has been observed in dengue cases. While 323 dengue cases were reported in 2025. In the period between January 2025 and July 2025, as many as 138 cases were reported. However, during the same period this year, about 81 cases have been registered so far, reflecting the impact of sustained surveillance and preventive measures.

Among the GVMC’s administrative zones, Gajuwaka emerged as the most vulnerable for malaria cases this year, followed by the East, North, Madhurawada and Bheemunipatnam zones. For dengue, the highest number of cases has been reported from the North, South and East zones. Officials cite open drains as the major reason.

A woman walks beside an open drain clogged with sewage and waste water in the One Town area in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.
| Photo Credit:
V RAJU

In 2025, as many as 13 Chikungunya cases were reported. However, no cases were registered so far this year.

To prevent further spread, the GVMC has adopted an intensive containment strategy. Whenever a positive case is detected, health teams immediately undertake surveillance and anti-vector measures in nearly 100 surrounding households, said Chief Medical and Health Officer of the GVMC E.N.V. Naresh Kumar. He stated that anti-larval operations, source reduction and insecticide spraying were being carried out in the affected areas.

According to Mr. Naresh Kumar, drones sprayed anti-larval insecticides in 206 identified water bodies across the city as part of the first cycle of vector control operations. The corporation is also carrying out regular knapsack spraying, fogging and other intensive mosquito control activities across all zones.

Like every year, to strengthen field operations during the monsoon, the GVMC is in the process of recruiting around 100 additional seasonal workers for epidemic control duties, in the first phase, he added

As part of the anti-larval operations, the civic body will also release Gambusia fish, which feed on mosquito larvae, into water bodies across the city. While the annual requirement is around 10 lakh fish, the GVMC is planning to procure nearly 20 lakh fish this year. Discussions are under way with the Fisheries Department to ensure adequate supply.

Mr. Naresh Kumar said that the GVMC is conducting regular review meetings and coordinating daily with King George Hospital (KGH) to monitor fresh cases and ensure prompt response measures wherever required.

He urged residents to check for water stagnation in and around their homes, maintain cleanliness and cooperate with field staff during anti-larval and fogging operations in order to keep seasonal diseases under control.