Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, July 7: Malaria cases have seen a rise in Dakshina Kannada alongside dengue, with a notable number of patients being from outside the state. Out of the 75 malaria cases reported in the last six months, 46 patients are migrant workers, while 29 are locals.
Surveillance on construction workers, labour sites
States like Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and West Bengal are witnessing an increase in malaria cases. Many workers arriving in coastal Karnataka from these states are being detected with malaria during health checks. In this light, the health department has stepped up surveillance of migrant workers.
Workers arriving by train often display fever symptoms, which poses a risk of spreading the disease through mosquitoes. Instructions have been issued to ensure that migrant workers undergo malaria testing before being employed in construction works. The labour department and health department have also initiated awareness efforts in this regard.
Three teams, 18 volunteers deployed
The health department has constituted three teams, each with six volunteers, to monitor construction sites. These teams are visiting work areas under the Mangaluru City Corporation limits and conducting blood smear tests on labourers. Confirmed malaria cases are immediately provided treatment.
Symptoms of malaria
High fever, headache, diarrhoea, body ache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, sweating, chills, cramps, anaemia, and blood in stool are among the symptoms of malaria.
24-hour surveillance team active
To control malaria, a dedicated 24x7 surveillance team is in operation. Two staff members work in shifts daily. On receiving a call at the 24x7 control room (Ph: 9448556872), officials collect blood samples from the caller's locality under Mangaluru City Corporation limits for testing. Additionally, announcements about malaria and dengue are made via public address systems in crowded areas.
Malaria cases in Dakshina Kannada (Year-wise)
2019 – 2,797
2020 – 1,397
2021 – 689
2022 – 168
2023 – 82
2024 – 168
2025 – 29 (so far)
Precautions to prevent malaria
– Prevent water stagnation around the house.
– Clean mosquito nets at least once a week.
– Pregnant women must exercise extra caution against mosquito bites.
– Wear light-coloured clothing, as mosquitoes are generally repelled by such shades.
– Mop floors regularly.
– Do not ignore fevers; consult a doctor promptly.
No need to panic about malaria
“Most malaria cases in the district have been traced to migrant workers. The health department is monitoring the situation. Employers and house owners hiring migrant workers for domestic or construction work should ensure they undergo malaria tests before arrival. There is no need for public panic. Anyone experiencing fever should immediately consult a doctor,” said Dr Jacintha D’Souza, district vector-borne disease control officer, Dakshina Kannada.