Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Apr 8: Increasing temperature levels in coastal Karnataka combined with intermittent rainfall provides an ideal condition for the breeding of mosquitoes. The mosquitos breed in stranded water, and they can spread diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya etc. The district health department has therefore alerted the citizens to take precautionary measures against getting infected.

In the district, from January to March this year, a total of 29 dengue cases and 220 malaria cases were reported. Cases of coronavirus infection along with dengue and malaria are on the rise in the recent past. Health department officials say that dengue cannot be overlooked as it has caused over ten deaths in the district when it gripped the region two years back.

Chances of death if timely treatment is not obtained for malaria are high. Repeated bouts of fever along with body pain, profound fatigue, sweating and headache are the symptoms of malaria. Chikungunya that spreads by the mosquito aedes, is not life threatening, It causes sudden fever with acute pain in the joints.

Dengue is an acute form of viral fever which spreads by the bites of the tiger mosquito, Aedes egipte. This is a serious condition. Sometimes bleeding can cause death. Sudden fever, headache, pain in muscles and joints, lack of hunger, appearance of red spots on chest and upper portions of hands and legs are the symptoms of the disease. Nausea and vomiting also might be experienced.

Health department officials have advised to keep overhead tanks and concrete tanks securely closed, clear debris, plastic, tyres, coconut shells etc thrown around the house and ensure that water does not get stored anywhere. They are advised to cooperate with staff of the corporation for controlling mosquitos. In wells, tanks etc guppy fishes should be bred. Water from air coolers, flower plots, money plants etc should be emptied every week. Medicated mosquito nets should be used. Windows and doors should be closed every evening to stop mosquitoes from entering homes, the officials stated.