Lucknow has recorded its first case of Kala-Azar fever, a concerning development for the city. A 17-year-old resident from Triveni Nagar was initially diagnosed with dengue and malaria at a private medical college, but ongoing symptoms led to further testing, which confirmed Kala-Azar.

What is particularly alarming is that the patient has no recent travel history or contact with anyone from areas known to have outbreaks, raising questions about how the disease was contracted. In light of this discovery, health officials are ramping up efforts to monitor the situation and have initiated insecticide treatments in the vicinity of the patient’s home.

To curb the potential spread of this disease, the district health department has declared a state of high alert, implementing monitoring protocols every 15 days. The District Malaria Officer has been tasked with treating the affected household and its surroundings, impacting about 500 homes, with synthetic pyrethroid to help reduce the risk of further transmission.