Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 13: Despite intermittent rains during the monsoon season, Dakshina Kannada (DK) district has recorded a significant decline in dengue cases this year. Compared to the previous year, the spread of dengue has remained largely under control.

As of September last year, the district had reported over 300 dengue cases. However, this year, only 151 cases have been detected so far. With the onset of the post-monsoon season and intermittent rainfall expected, the health department has urged the public to remain alert and take preventive measures to stop the breeding of dengue mosquitoes.

The district administration has taken proactive steps to control the spread of dengue. Paramedical students from Wenlock Hospital were given additional responsibilities, with 25 of them divided into separate teams. They were assigned duties such as conducting larval surveys and door-to-door awareness visits under the supervision of the health department. Each student received an honorarium of Rs 400 per day for 100 days, according to officials from the health department.

In schools, the department has been raising awareness among children by appointing a “Nodal Teacher” in each institution. These teachers are responsible for educating students on the prevention of dengue and other communicable diseases.

Health experts have emphasized the importance of self-precaution to prevent dengue. They advised the public to properly dispose of waste materials like coconut shells, tyres, tubes, and plastics that can collect stagnant water and become mosquito breeding grounds. Residents are urged to ensure that water does not accumulate around homes, rooftops, or flower pots, and to keep lids of water storage containers and tanks tightly closed.

Doctors have also advised people not to ignore fever symptoms and to seek medical attention promptly. Using mosquito nets, drinking only boiled and filtered water, and changing and cleaning water in tanks or drums every two to three days are among the key preventive measures recommended.

Dr Thimmaiah, district health officer, DK, said, “Compared to last year, dengue is now well under control in Dakshina Kannada. The number of cases had nearly doubled last year, prompting the health department to take timely preventive measures before the onset of the monsoon, with active cooperation from the public.”