After Nipah, black fever grips Kerala; govt on alert

A 38-year-old man from Villumala tribal area near Kulathupuzha in Kollam has tested positive for Kala azar, also known as black fever and scientifically called Leishmaniasis, which spreads through sandflies.
 

“As a case of kala-azar was reported, a team comprising the Kollam District Medical Officer, District Surveillance Officer, Vector Control Unit and Malaria Unit was rushed to the spot to assess the situation. Also a meeting of peoples’ representatives and health workers was convened and preventive measures have been chalked out,” Kerala Health Minister KK Shylaja was quoted as saying.