Sixty-three cases of malaria have been reported from the district this monsoon season so far. Although the district has not received much rain this year, 63 people, including 26 from the city, have fallen prey to various species of female anopheles (the mosquito responsible for causing malaria). The District Epidemiologist, Dr Anil Verma, said, "Most of the malaria cases reported are from the Sidhwan Bet, Noorpiur Bet and Khaira Bet areas. In the city, most of the reported cases are from Gyaspura, Sherpur and the Model Town area." This year, the number of malaria cases has seen an increase. Last year, only 29 cases had been reported till July. Dr Verma said, "The number is not alarming. This year, the government had issued a notification asking all private clinics and hospitals, which conduct malaria tests, to inform the Health Department about cases which test positive. As a result, nursing homes and city laboratories have started reporting to us about all positive cases of malaria." He said testing for malaria was free at all primary health centres, community health centres and the Civil Hospital. dos and dont’s Do not allow fresh and stagnant water to accumulate near your house Use mosquito nets or sprays to keep mosquitoes at bay Malaria patients should take chloroquine for 3 days and brimaquine for 14 days under the guidance of a doctor