SHILLONG: The Meghalaya health department has attributed a rise in malaria-related deaths among young people to the growing trend of online gaming.
In 2023, all eight reported malaria deaths occurred in individuals under 30 years old.
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Ram Kumar, secretary (health) and mission director of the National Health Mission in Meghalaya, highlighted several contributing factors.
“Late reporting of fever cases, self-medication, and seeking treatment from mobile quacks have been major factors in these deaths,” he stated.
Kumar noted an intriguing pattern: youths venturing into forested areas with mobile network coverage in the evenings have made them more susceptible to mosquito bites.
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“This behaviour likely stems from a lack of awareness about malaria prevention,” he added.
Health officials expressed concern over the prolonged outdoor online gaming sessions, particularly in rural areas where better internet connectivity is available.
This behaviour, they said, is driving the increased vulnerability among youths, especially in regions like the Garo Hills.
Unlike older generations who remain vigilant against mosquito bites, many young people are so engrossed in gaming that they become unaware of the risk.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya health department is distributing bed nets and medical supplies, focusing on high-risk districts such as South Garo Hills and East Garo Hills.