Mangalore, July 16, DHNS : As many as 36 dengue cases have been reported in Dakshina Kannada since Janruary 2011 till date, said DHO Dr O Srirangappa.

Of the 36 cases, one girl has died in Bijapura colony. In 2010, as many as 267 dengue cases were reported in the district.

Dengue fever also known as breakbone fever, is an infectious tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. The symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash that is similar to measles.

Dengue is transmitted by mosquito Aedes aegypti. Normally, this mosquito bites during day time. It is not easy to destroy virus. However, one can take preventive measures to check the spread of dengue.

The preventive measures are one should see that water does not get stagnated inside the house. The water storing tanks must be closed properly. Coils should be used to prevent mosquito bite.

As dengue is an endemic diseases, prevention is better than cure. There is no vaccination for dengue. Depending on the symptoms medicines are given, the DHO said.