Effective Insecticide Spraying Reduces Sandflies and Visceral Leishmaniasis in Indian Villages

A study showed that spraying insecticide inside homes in Indian villages can reduce sandfly numbers, which spread visceral leishmaniasis, by 27%. The research included 900 homes across Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. The vector-borne disease affects internal organs and can be fatal if untreated. The study calls for more evidence on the cost-effectiveness of indoor spraying.

A recent study has found that spraying insecticide inside homes in Indian villages can reduce the number of sandflies, which spread visceral leishmaniasis, by 27% from 2016 to 2022.

Researchers reported that using alpha-cypermethrin in homes upon detecting visceral leishmaniasis could potentially cut the disease's incidence by 6-40%. The research involved 900 homes across Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, where the disease is endemic.

The study, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, suggests that while effective, more evidence is needed on the cost-effectiveness of indoor spraying. Currently, the activity takes up a significant portion of India's budget for combating the disease.

(With inputs from agencies.)