Context:
India stands on the verge of eliminating visceral leishmaniasis, commonly known as kala-azar.
Bangladesh – 1st country in the world to be officially validated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for eliminating kala-azar as a public health problem.
About Kala-azar:
- Also known as Black Fever or Dumdum Fever
- A slow-progressing indigenous disease
- Caused by – Protozoan parasite
- Only parasite for disease in India – Leishmania donovani
- Transmitted by – Sand-flies
- Major symptoms – spleen and liver enlargement
- Treatment – Injectable liposomal amphotericin B
- Endemic to the states – Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal
Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL):
- Condition – when Leishmania donovani infiltrates and thrives within skin cells, resulting in the formation of skin lesions.
- Also PKDL emerges after treatment, but now it is believed that PKDL might occur without going through the visceral stage.
- Visceral stage – initial phase of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar), where the parasite affects internal organs.
- Treatment – 12 weeks of oral miltefosine
Elimination Strategies in India:
- Rigorous monitoring of indoor residual spraying to curb sandfly breeding and disease spread.
- Use of Gerrard soil for wall plastering to minimize sandfly breeding areas.
- Ensuring completion of PKDL treatment through the ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) network.
Source: Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Consider the following diseases:
1. Diphtheria
2. Chickenpox
3. Smallpox
Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2014 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Smallpox was eradicated, and no cases of naturally occurring smallpox have happened since 1977.
