Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru/Udupi (MS)
Mangaluru/Udupi, Jul 5: Dengue cases have surged significantly in the twin districts of Dakshina Kannada (DK) and Udupi, doubling compared to last year in DK. In response, a special ward has been reserved at Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru as a precautionary measure.
The intermittent rains lashing the district have created breeding grounds for mosquitoes that spread dengue. At Wenlock Hospital, a 15-bed general ward and an eight-bed ventilator ward are on standby. Monitoring efforts are also being conducted at the taluk level.
Currently, there are 263 dengue cases in DK, with 113 cases within the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) limits. Out of these, 30 are active cases, with most patients recovering at home.
Last year during this period, there were 120 dengue cases, with a significant rise observed in August. This year, however, the onset of dengue has been earlier, starting with the rains in June.
Dengue is primarily seen among migrant labourers, but no specific clusters have been identified so far. The disease is spread sporadically in certain areas.
The health department is conducting a comprehensive larvae survey throughout DK. Health safety officers are being deployed in villages under the primary healthcare center's jurisdiction to aid this effort.
ASHA workers, multi-purpose workers (MPWs), and local college students are conducting larvae surveys at homes and shops. In 2020 and 2021, there was one death each year due to dengue. Since then, no deaths have been recorded. Dengue-related deaths of out-of-district or out-of-state individuals are counted in their respective districts or states.
There is no shortage of platelets in the district, with adequate supplies in both private and public hospitals, including Wenlock Hospital, which maintains a stockpile as a precaution.
Every Friday, larvae breeding centers in the district are destroyed. Health officials have instructed the public to clean water drums, tanks, and barrels weekly. Additionally, old tires and other items that could collect stagnant water should be discarded.
In Udupi, dengue cases have increased fourfold this year, with 182 cases detected so far. Although no special ward has been designated for dengue cases, medical treatment is being provided based on the severity of each case.
Last year, 45 cases were detected during this period. Currently, four individuals are receiving treatment at the district hospital, while 20 are being treated in private hospitals. In Udupi district, 2099 people have been tested, with 292 suspected cases identified. The district hospital is treating 125 individuals.
Specific case numbers include 112 in Udupi, 43 in Kundapur, and 27 in Karkala. In the Manipal industrial area, 28 cases have been confirmed, and fogging has been conducted twice. Fogging has also been carried out in Kollur and Hirebettu.
The district hospital's blood bank has more than 21,000 units of blood in stock. Although there is no specific medicine for dengue, all necessary supportive medications are available. Precautionary instructions have been issued to the horticulture department, KSRTC, local administration, and fisheries department.
The zilla panchayat CEO has instructed the formation of a separate task force to raise dengue awareness in every school. Larvae surveys are being conducted in all primary health centers (PHCs).