Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 2: Viral fever cases are on the rise across Mangaluru's urban and rural areas following a spell of heavy rainfall over the past two days, with health authorities urging residents to remain vigilant as seasonal illnesses gain momentum.

A marked shift in weather conditions over the past few days has created favourable conditions for the spread of viral infections. Consequently, government hospitals, primary health centres (PHCs) and private clinics across the city have witnessed a noticeable increase in the number of patients seeking treatment.

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Patients have been reporting symptoms including fever, cold, cough, sore throat, body aches and persistent coughing. In response, the health department has instructed all primary health centres to keep a close watch on such cases. Officials noted that communicable diseases are being reported more frequently in urban areas, where large numbers of people commute daily for work, education and other activities, increasing the risk of transmission.

Health authorities have also warned that Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), a contagious viral illness that primarily affects children, has been detected in Dakshina Kannada district, underscoring the need for greater public awareness and preventive measures.

Door-to-door fever surveillance

As part of efforts to detect and monitor fever and other communicable diseases, the Health Department has launched extensive door-to-door surveys across the district. The exercise covers all 12 Urban Primary Health Centres under the Mangaluru City Corporation, along with 66 Primary Health Centres across Dakshina Kannada district.

ASHA workers, malaria control personnel, health inspectors and Multi-Purpose Workers (MPWs) deployed within the city corporation limits are visiting households to identify people exhibiting fever symptoms and ensuring they undergo medical examination and testing wherever required.

Dengue risk likely to rise

Health officials have cautioned that the prevailing pattern of intermittent rainfall could lead to a spike in dengue cases, making preventive measures all the more crucial.

Dakshina Kannada district has so far recorded 34 dengue cases and 11 malaria cases.

Precautionary measures

The Health Department has advised the public to:

• Avoid close contact with individuals suffering from fever or cold.
• Refrain from shaking hands with infected persons or using handkerchiefs and other personal items handled by them.
• Cover the mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue while coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water.
• Drink only boiled and cooled water.
• Eat nutritious food and ensure adequate rest.
• Wear a face mask in crowded places whenever necessary.
• Seek medical attention immediately if fever or related symptoms develop.
• Avoid self-medication under any circumstances.

The health department has cautioned that the prevailing weather conditions are conducive to the spread of viral fever and other seasonal infections. Members of the public have been urged not to dismiss fever as a minor ailment or resort to self-medication. Instead, they are advised to seek prompt medical attention and follow professional medical advice to prevent complications and curb the spread of communicable diseases.