Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JM)

Mangaluru, Jul 5: Mangaluru City Corporation mayor Kavita Sanil on Wednesday July 5 alerted the citizens about the increase in the number of malaria, dengue and swine flu (H1N1) cases and urged the public to be cautious and cooperate with the MCC in getting rid of these diseases.

Addressing a press meet here, the mayor said that since the past two years various measures have been undertaken to control malaria within the city of Mangaluru. But even then, cases of dengue and malaria have been increasing day by day. She mentioned that although it has reduced by 42% from the previous year, there have been 77 cases of swine flu from January to June and also 6 cases of dengue in Derebail to Kadri region of Mangaluru city.

Giving statistics of malaria cases in Mangaluru during 2016- 2017, she said, "Malaria cases this year have reduced to 1,748 as compared to the previous year up to June. The MCC has also set up multi-purpose workers (MPW) team in order to educate people and also spread awareness about malaria and dengue."

She also said that there are more than 350 under-construction sites among which 34 main building construction sites have shown the maximum breeding of mosquitoes in the city. "Among these 34 sites, some have responded when alerted, but some have still refused to respond. We are going to take severe action against the ones who do not respond, and may impose a penalty of upto Rs 15,000 or even cancellation of the licence," she said.

"MCC has visited various under-construction sites and even issued notice to various builders who have been negligent about the maintenance of the hygiene and sanitation in their sites. "I do not have soft corner towards anyone, nor am I scared of anyone. I am doing my job of protecting the city from infectious diseases like malaria, dengue and H1N1," she asserted.

"Some people have been still showing complete negligence towards this issue. Even though they have been issued notice, there is no response from them, including from the judge quarters. I urge all the people of Mangaluru to cooperate with the MCC in getting rid of these infectious diseases," she added.

As a part of this mission, the MCC has bought around 15,000 Gambusia fish (guppy fish), which is available in all the 10 health centres of the city. The public could always approach the MCC and take these fish home free of cost, which would help in getting rid of the mosquito larvae, she informed.