The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland, urges all private and public healthcare providers to screen all fever cases for malaria. Since it is in the elimination phase, it is crucial that no malaria case goes undetected.
In the interest of public health and to ensure early diagnosis, proper case management, and a reduction in malaria burden, the Government of Nagaland, exercising the powers conferred under Section 2 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, mandates that all healthcare providers, NGOs, Civil Society Partners, and other stakeholders must report every malaria case to the respective authorities. The positive case details must be immediately conveyed to the Chief Medical Officer, the District Vector Borne Disease (VBD) Officer, or the State Programme Officer to enable epidemiological assessment and the implementation of necessary preventive measures.
Case Definition for Malaria
Probable Malaria Fever:
- A suspected malaria case is defined as a patient with fever in an endemic area during transmission season or someone who has recently travelled to an endemic area.
- A case consistent with malaria symptoms, including high fever, chills and rigor, headache, body ache, nausea, vomiting, or unexplained fever.
Confirmed Malaria Fever (Pv/Pf): A malaria case is confirmed when the presence of the parasite is detected using at least one of the following diagnostic methods:
- Microscopy of blood for malarial parasite,
- Antigen-based bi-valent Rapid Diagnostic Kit (RDT), and/or
- Molecular diagnostic test.
Mandatory Reporting by Healthcare Providers: For the purpose of this notification, healthcare providers include clinical establishments managed by the Government (including local authorities), private or NGO sectors, and individual practitioners registered under the Clinical Establishment (Registration & Regulation) Act, 2010.
Doctors in Government health institutions and registered private medical practitioners are required to immediately notify the District Health Authority if a confirmed malaria case is detected in their respective healthcare facilities.
Legal Implications: Under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 (Act No. 3 of 1897), failure to comply with these regulations will be deemed an offense punishable under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860). Strict legal actions will be taken against those who do not adhere to the mandatory reporting requirements.
NVBDCP seeks the cooperation of all healthcare providers, organizations, and individuals in this collective effort to eliminate malaria and safeguard public health.
(DIPR)