Mangaluru
The health department has expressed concern over the sporadic occurrence of dengue cases in villages of Dakshina Kannada. Since January, the district has reported 108 cases, a notable increase from the 45 cases documented in the previous year. Dr. Naveen Chandra Kulal, the district Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme Officer, noted a connection between humidity and mosquito breeding, emphasizing that the rising humidity contributes to this trend. He also pointed out that the practice of storing water in vessels and drums during the summer facilitates mosquito breeding.
A survey conducted in Lingappayyakadu village near Mulky highlighted that residents store water in large quantities due to irregular drinking water supplies. Dr. Kulal mentioned that improperly closed containers become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk. Similar rises in dengue cases have been observed in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and other districts.
Despite no identified dengue clusters in the district, the health department is actively working to prevent its spread. Health workers are conducting awareness campaigns and mosquito source reduction drives. Regarding malaria, only 16 cases have been reported since January, with Dr. Kulal attributing most cases to migrant laborers on construction sites. District Health Officer Dr. HR Thimmaiah advised individuals experiencing fever to visit the nearest Primary Health Centre or hospital for assistance.
