Ranchi: Malaria cases are witnessing an increase in the state this year, with 12,342 infections reported between Jan and May. Health department data shows that while the state recorded 8,034 malaria cases from Jan to April, the caseload surged by 4,308 cases in May alone.West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum, Godda, Seraikela-Kharsawan and Khunti account for a significant share of the malaria cases.West Singhbhum reported 4,891 cases till May compared to 3,590 in April. East Singhbhum district, which recorded 4,822 cases till May, had 2,820 cases in April. Godda reported 874 cases in May, compared to 553 till April.“Khunti cases rose from 355 in April to 612 in May. Seraikela-Kharsawan district has recorded 514 cases till May compared to 331 cases in April. In Jharkhand, six districts — Khunti, Godda, West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum, Pakur and Sahibganj — historically contribute to the major chunk of malaria cases,” Birendra Kumar Singh, state programme-cum-nodal officer of vector-borne diseases, told TOI.While five districts are witnessing a rapid surge in malaria cases, Chatra, Deoghar, Bokaro, Gumla, Jamtara, Koderma and Lohardaga have reported single cases, from Jan to May. Ranchi recorded only 30 cases till May compared to 21 till April.Singh said the number of malaria cases reported this year so far is lower than last year due to the health department’s increased surveillance and monitoring.“The department, with the help of sahiyas (community health workers), ANMs and district vector-borne disease officers, has been conducting mass fever surveys across malaria-prone regions in the state to curb the spread. They are also spreading awareness on hygiene practices in the worst-affected regions,” Singh added.He said that the department has intensified larvicide spraying and distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets across the state to prevent malaria and other vector-borne diseases.This year, the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) selected an NGO, Child in Need India (CINI), to monitor malaria cases in four districts — Khunti, Godda, Pakur and West Singhbhum. The NGO has engaged volunteers in the villages where sahiyas and village-level health workers are absent, for overall monitoring of malaria cases.