Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Sep 3: With alternating spells of sunshine and rain in Mangaluru city and its outskirts, the likelihood of viral cold and fever cases is on the rise, prompting health experts to urge the public to remain cautious.

During this monsoon, a few weeks have seen heavy rains followed by dry, cloudy weather, with occasional showers in between. Such fluctuations have contributed to a rise in viral fever. Morning chills, followed by humidity and a recent spike in daytime temperatures, have led to more patients visiting primary health centres and clinics with symptoms such as cold, fever, throat pain, body ache, and cough.

Risk of dengue outbreak
Compared to last year, Dakshina Kannada district has seen a decline in dengue cases. So far this year, 137 confirmed cases have been reported. However, the present weather conditions are favourable for mosquito breeding, as intermittent rains leave stagnant pools of water. Since dengue-spreading mosquitoes breed in clean stagnant water, authorities have urged the public to remain alert.

Precautionary measures
Doctors have advised that viral fever can spread easily from one person to another. They recommend avoiding direct contact such as handshakes with infected individuals, not using their handkerchiefs, washing hands with soap after touching common surfaces, and covering the mouth while coughing or sneezing. Drinking warm water and protecting oneself from dust and heat are also encouraged.

Dengue statistics in Dakshina Kannada
2020 – 239 cases
2021 – 295 cases
2022 – 388 cases
2023 – 566 cases
2024 – 534 cases
2025 – 137 cases (till date)

MCC steps up surveillance
Nearly 50% of the district’s dengue cases are concentrated in Mangaluru city. Anticipating a possible spike in the coming days, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), in coordination with the health department, has launched intensified preventive measures:

• Conducting larval surveys across the city.

• Creating awareness about dengue and other communicable diseases through door-to-door campaigns.

• Imposing fines on houses, buildings, and apartments found to have mosquito breeding sites.

• Directing CREDAI and contractors to curb larval breeding at construction sites.

• Using waste disposal vehicles to spread awareness.

• Monitoring migrant workers, as more cases are being reported among them.

The civic body has stressed the need for strict sanitation measures to contain the spread.