Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jun 25: A workshop on vector-borne diseases was organized by the Udupi District Health and Family Welfare Department at the Taluk Panchayat Health office on Tuesday, June 25.
Dr Ishwar Gadad, district health officer of Udupi, addressed the workshop, stating, “During the rainy season, the number of mosquitoes increases. This can be controlled by spreading awareness among people about the diseases and measures to control them. Mosquitoes proliferate in water-logged areas around us, which we might be unaware of, such as water from air conditioners. People should also be educated about protecting water sources.”
Dr Prashant Bhat, Vector-borne disease control officer, elaborated on the impact of vector-borne diseases, saying, “Vector-borne diseases spread very quickly, especially in coastal regions where humidity and temperature are higher. Udupi district is the second-highest contributor of such diseases in the state. While malaria cases in Udupi are decreasing, dengue cases are on the rise, and filariasis has been eliminated.”
Discussing the root causes of disease spread, Dr Prashant said, “Udupi has many migrant workers from Orissa, UP, and other states. Orissa has the highest number of vector-borne diseases, and migrant workers from there carry and spread the diseases here. Migrant laborers should be screened immediately upon arrival. We have instructed ASHA workers to gather information on newcomers.”
Dr Prashant identified three primary reasons for the spread of vector-borne diseases in Udupi: migrant workers, construction sites with water-filled pits that serve as mosquito breeding grounds, and the fishing industry, where boats and water tanks collect rainwater and harbor mosquitoes.
The workshop highlighted that screening and treatment are provided for free, and builders who accommodate migrant workers are requested to bring them in for screening to prevent disease spread and to check water tanks in high-rise buildings.
The Health Department has proposed a civic bylaw to legally mandate people to keep their surroundings clean to prevent vector-borne diseases. Using mosquito nets, wearing clothing that fully covers the body, and applying neem oil are recommended preventive measures.
Dengue cases are predominantly seen in rural areas, especially in rubber, pineapple, and areca plantations where water collects on leaves, providing breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Solid waste near homes also contributes to mosquito growth. Destitute sleeping is another factor contributing to the spread of malaria, filariasis, and other infectious diseases.
A total of 164 dengue cases have been reported, with 102 cases in Udupi alone. The district health department has been conducting awareness programmes in schools every Saturday since last year, aiming to use children as ambassadors to spread awareness.