Agartala, July 09, 2025: Malaria is once again spreading in the hill tribal regions under Tripura’s Teliamura subdivision with the Mungiakami block in Khowai District witnessing a concerning resurgence. Areas like Bilaiham Reang Para, Baramura hill, Tirthamuni Reang Para, Bahadur Sardar Para, Dattamalsum Para, Kalibasti, Nonacherra, Kakracherra and Tripurabasti have been identified as emerging malaria-prone zones.

Tragedy struck on Sunday last when a 7-year-old child from Bilaiham Reang Para reportedly died after six days of untreated fever. Local sources confirmed the child had contracted malaria but did not receive timely medical attention.

In another case, 8-month-old Surajit Jamatia and a woman named Kabita Rupini from Narayanbasti, Baramura Hill are undergoing treatment at Dr BR Ambedkar Teaching Hospital & Tripura Medical College, Hapania in Agartala after being diagnosed with falciparum and vivax malaria. The child is currently in ICU. The affected families allege negligence by ASHA workers, despite repeated appeals for assistance.

Locals have raised serious concerns about the negligence of local health workers, accusing them of failing to respond adequately to the crisis. The situation prompted the health department to act after a 15-year-old girl, Baisarung Reang was admitted to Teliamura Sub-Divisional Hospital on Tuesday with malaria. A high-level emergency meeting led by SDMO Raja Jamatia was held with MPWs, MPSs, and CHOs to plan containment measures.

Of grave concern is the discontinuation of DDT spraying in the hill areas for the past four years, despite 85 DDT workers being on the rolls across Teliamura, Mungiakami and Kalyanpur blocks under Khowai district. Most remain without active duties due to the suspension of operations.

With fever cases rising in nearly every household, residents are demanding immediate health camps and proper testing facilities to curb the crisis.