Health Department Steps Up Filariasis Control Efforts in Rajnandgaon; Microfilaria Rate Declines to 0.3% in 2026
Published on: November 04, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
As part of ongoing efforts to eliminate filariasis in the district, MMDP (Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention) kits were distributed to patients affected by lymphatic filariasis at the Primary Health Centre in Murmunda, Dongargarh development block.
The kits contain essential items for patients’ daily care and hygiene, including mosquito nets, tubs, mugs, medicines, towels and other necessary materials.
CMHO Advises Patients on Treatment and Daily Care
On the occasion, Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Netram Navratan encouraged patients who tested positive for filariasis to complete their prescribed treatment and maintain regular cleanliness and care of the affected body parts. He also urged them to use the materials provided in the MMDP kits regularly.
Dr. Navratan explained that proper hygiene, appropriate care of affected limbs and necessary treatment can help control complications caused by filariasis and reduce the severity grading of the condition.
Microfilaria Rate Declines from 5% to 0.3%
Dr. Navratan said that the district has recorded positive results through its filariasis control initiatives.
In 2023, a total of 58 microfilaria-positive cases were detected in Dongargaon and Dongargarh development blocks. At that time, the district’s microfilaria rate stood at 5 per cent.
In 2024, a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) round was conducted, achieving 96 per cent coverage. A subsequent decline in microfilaria-positive cases was recorded.
The MDA round was conducted again in 2025, with 97 per cent coverage. Following this, the number of microfilaria-positive cases declined to 12, while the district’s microfilaria rate fell to approximately 1 per cent.
In 2026, a Night Blood Survey was conducted to identify hidden filarial infections. The survey detected only seven microfilaria-positive cases, bringing the district’s microfilaria rate down to 0.3 per cent. The 2026 MDA round also achieved 99 per cent coverage.
Follow-up of Positive Patients Underway
District Programme Manager Sandeep Tamrakar said that all patients identified as positive during the Night Blood Survey are being provided complete treatment, along with regular follow-up.
He emphasised that identifying positive patients, ensuring completion of their treatment and maintaining regular monitoring are crucial for controlling filariasis.
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Tamrakar appealed to all eligible people to take the prescribed medicines during the MDA round scheduled for February 2027, with the objective of making the district filariasis-free.
About Lymphatic Filariasis
Lymphatic filariasis is a vector-borne disease transmitted to healthy individuals through the bite of an infected female Culex mosquito. The disease can affect different body parts and may cause symptoms such as swelling in the arms and legs, as well as hydrocele.
Health Officials Present
Malaria Consultant Dr. Sangeeta Pandey, BETO Jyoti Kade, Block Programme Manager Mukta Kujur, Malaria Supervisor Swati Borkar and Murmunda Primary Health Centre’s Medical Officer-in-Charge Dr. Limesh Joshi were present during the programme.
