Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jul 7: During the random coronavirus tests conducted in three areas within Ullal municipal limits, it was found that over 24 per cent of the throat swab samples collected there have tested positive for the coronavirus infection.

Coronavirus infection in Dakshina Kannada district is often detected among the people who get admitted into hospitals with symptoms of typhoid and breathing difficulties. At the same time, the number of cases where contacts could not be established is on the rise. Under these circumstances, the high rate of random test results has given rise to the apprehension about the coronavirus infection having acquired the form of community spread in the district.

Since the last few days, many COVID-19 cases were found from Ullal municipal limits. Therefore, local MLA U T Khader had urged the district administration to undertake random tests in areas where infected people live. Thereafter, camps were organized near Ullal municipal office, Kody, and Azad Nagar, Mastikatte, where throat swab samples were collected.

At the camp organised near the municipal office, 170 samples were collected. Around 83 more were collected at Kody while 65 were collected from Mastikatte Azad Nagar. All 318 results came out by Sunday evening. As many as 77 among the persons tested have tested positive for coronavirus presence, sources said. This works out to 24.21 per cent of the samples collected.

Most of the women among whom the infection was noticed are those who stay put inside their houses. During the random testing, it was found that several political leaders including the former president of Ullal municipality, current councillor etc also have been infected.

Increasing incidence of deaths

The first death due to coronavirus in Dakshina Kannada district had happened on April 19 at Bantwal. Since then, till June 23, eight deaths have happened. Thereafter, however, there has been a sudden jump in the number of deaths. During the last 13 days, 16 have lost their battle with coronavirus. In the first six days of July, 10 people have passed away. Most of those who died were suffering from other ailments like diabetes, heart problem, pneumonia, high blood pressure and some other chronic ailments.