Researchers from the School of Tropical Medicine have noted the existence of Phlebopomus Argentipsi (sand fly), the vector of kala-azar, in several districts of West Bengal.

“The vector was reported in many districts, including South and North 24 Paraganas, Malda, Murshidabad, Burdwan and in some areas of Kolkata,” said a researcher.

The research team has submitted a report on the possible emergence of the diseases in the state and asked the state Health Department to take adequate measures to prevent their outbreaks.

Incidentally, in 2005, a team of STM researchers had warned the department about the emergence of the JE in the state. A sudden rise in JE cases was reported in 2006. While only 24 cases were recorded officially, including three deaths, unofficial records had claimed more cases.

The department records also note that 2,710 people were afflicted with kala-azar, including 15 deaths in 2005, and 1,843 cases, including 10 deaths, were reported in 2006.

“There have also been some cases of kala-azar in the state in 2007 and 2008. But these have not been recorded by the department. There is a high possibility that kala-azar may become endemic and claim several lives in the coming years,” said a researcher.

The habitats of sand fly are cow-sheds, backyard dairies and the sheds of cattle. Kolkata has a lot of these sheds, though these are illegal in the city.

Notably, backyard dairies are found in the ward of Member Mayor-in-Council (Health) Subodh Dey (Ward 29). JE vectors are also reported in the piggeries of the city.

“The state Health Department should conduct a strict surveillance on piggeries, cow-sheds and backyard dairies. Blood samples of pigs should be tested regularly to control JE in the state,” said Bhaswati Banerjee, assistant professor, virology department.

He added that the city has already reported several dengue cases and the dengue-affected people develop JE resistance in their bodies, which can make the JE outbreak more severe.

The health department, however, remains unfazed. “We live in a tropical area. So these diseases and deaths will keep occurring. Nobody can help it,” said Sanchita Bakshi, Director, Health Services.

Naturally, researchers have little expectations from the department.

“We are shocked by the stereotyped vector-control measures carried out in the city by the urban local bodies. Instead of spraying larvicide and mosquitocide, they are still continuing with fogging that is not only ineffective but injurious to health,” said a researcher.

“The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) urged the people to cultivate larvivorous fishes but never took any initiative to cultivate these in water bodies of highrises which are storehouse of larvae. The situation is worse in rural areas,” he added.