In 2008, the fever had claimed 49 lives and affected 28617 people in the tribal-dominated district, the sources said.
A total 35 people died and 36463 were affected by the disease the next year, the sources said adding the figures were 39 and 36551 respectively in 2010.
However, the figures drastically in 2011 with only 4 deaths registered and 25911 people affected.
In 2012 till April 3 deaths have been registered and 4644 people were affected with the killer fever, the sources said.
In many cases patients die before any health assistance could reach them due to inaccessibility of the areas and ignorance and illiteracy of the people. Tribal blocks like Daringbadi, Kotagarh, Tumudibandh, Phiringia, Balliguda, K.Nuagam, G.Udayagiri, Tikabali and Raikia have been in the grip of malaria since decades.
Malaria, diarrhoea and anthrax diseases are prevalent in Kandhmal. In order to control and eradicate malaria, 3,80,000 long lasting insecticidal net were distributed in the malaria-prone areas free of cost and IRS and other spraying programmes are also being taken.
Mass awareness is being created about malaria was being created through health and para medical workers, Asha workers and other NGOs, Dinesh Kumar Praharaj, counselor, Malaria Vector control programme, said.
