Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Apr 30: The Health department is striving hard to make the district malaria free by 2025. Efforts are on to realize this target.
Compared to previous years the cases of malaria have reduced this year. Till the end of March, only 33 cases were reported. Out of these, 30 cases are reported in Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) limits. In 2019, 2797 cases were reported in the district, out of which 2593 belonged to MCC limits.
Dr Naveen Chandra Kulal, vector borne disease control officer of Dakshina Kannada, says, “Precautions are already taken to prevent spread of malaria. Survey is being done to detect larvae. In 2021, a total of 1,61,931 blood samples were tested, out of which 689 turned positive. This year till March 31, 1,20,507 blood samples were tested, out of which 33 cases were reported.
“The Health workers are visiting every household and surveying. Rapid kids for malaria tests are provided to them. Results can be obtained within 20 minutes. Under MCC limits, 60 MPW workers are visiting houses. In addition to collecting data, they also check for stagnant water in the vicinity of the houses or buildings. Special campaigns are held to check the health condition of migrant workers also. Mobile vehicle is ready for malaria checking. If anyone has malaria symptoms, the blood samples are collected from home. Public can call 9448556872 in order to obtain this service.”
The Health department officials have warned of an increase in dengue fever during pre-monsoon. In total 41 dengue cases are reported in the district. Out of this most cases are in the city limits of Kankanady, Valencia and Kadri apartment areas. Out of 41 cases, 19 are under MCC limits. While Mangaluru and Beltangady taluks reported seven cases each, Bantwal had four, and two cases each reported in Puttur and Sullia.
Dr Naveenchandra said, “The weather in Dakshina Kannada district is convenient for spreading of endemics. There is a possibility of an increase in dengue cases in the coming months. It is important to see that water does not get stagnant near the houses and apartments.”