Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Jun 17: Though the monsoon has not clearly entered Dakshina Kannada (DK) district, contagious disease like viral fever, malaria, dengue and rat fever are reported in some pockets of the district. The occurrence is expected to rise in coming days and the health department is taking steps to create awareness among the public.
Malaria and dengue cases are increasing in the city for the past three to four years. In rural areas, dengue cases are reported. Till the end of May 2023, 22 dengue and 13 malaria cases are reported under the limits of Mangaluru City Corporation. In rural areas of Mangaluru, 14 cases of dengue, five cases of malaria are found. In Bantwal, eight cases of dengue are reported. In total, in the district of Dakshina Kannada, 48 dengue cases and 20 malaria cases are reported.
Senior officers of health department say that the exact cases of dengue and malaria will be known in the next 10 to 15 days.
Dengue is more in Bengaluru, Shivamogga and Mysuru. As people from these areas frequent Dakshina Kannada for tourism, the cases will rise in DK also. During last year there were 73 cases, while this year so far 48 cases of dengue are reported.
Last year, there were 388 cases of dengue in DK. Out of this 185 were under MCC limits, 60 in Mangaluru rural, 39 in Bantwal and 82 in Beltangady.
There were 168 Malaria cases in DK. MCC limits reported 147. In 2020, there were 1306 cases and rural area reported 63. Out of 239 Dengue cases, rural area reported 48 and Bantwal had 68 cases.
Dr Satish Shankar, chief of Ayursparsh hospital Ganjimath said, “As the rainy season begins, diseases will increase. Malaria and dengue cases will rise. Ayurvedic medicines that increase the immunity should be used more.”
Dr Naveen Chandra Kulal said, “Dengue mosquitoes are produced in the water that is stagnant in nearby areas of house. Last year monsoon rains arrived soon. However, this year the monsoon has just begun. The cases of dengue will increase in coming days.”
District health officer (DHO) Dr Kishore Kumar M said, “Larvae surveys are done to prevent dengue and malaria. The health department is prepared to take on any rise in these cases. People should be alert too.”