Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Jul 10: Even as the intensity of the second corona wave has been coming down, the people have a new worry at hand, that of malaria, dengue, and other diseases spread on account of mosquitoes. Compared to the statistic of other districts, Dakshina Kannada district has the highest number of malaria cases.
Right from April, the district has been witnessing an increase in malaria cases. By the end of June this year, 312 cases were found, of which 285 belong to the limits of Mangaluru City Corporation.
In the year 2019, the district had reported 2,797 cases (2593 within city), and 1,397 (1306 in city) in 2020. It is surprising that every year, most of the malaria cases are recorded from the city area.
As many as 1,539 dengue cases were recorded in 2019 in the district. Over 20 had lost their lives. As the disease was widespread within the city limits, doctors, health workers, officials and the people in general had worked on a war footing against the disease. In 2020, only 239 cases were recorded. This time till June end, 186 cases have been found. As far as dengue cases are concerned, most of them are found in rural areas.
Workforce has been created to stop the advancement of infectious diseases like dengue and malaria. Dr Navinchandra Kulal, controlling officer of the district for vector borne diseases, said that awareness is being spread among the people about avoiding this disease.
Dakshina Kannada district health officer Dr Kishore Kumar, says that dengue and malaria cases are increasing because of the fact that rainfall during April and May was intermittent with gap in between. He said that in all cases of fever, malaria. Corona and dengue tests are conducted. He has asked the people not to neglect the diseases and get treated in hospitals or through mobile van.
In Udupi too, dengue cases are increasing and in June alone, over 150 dengue cases were reported. The cases have increased because of the fact that rain and sunshine are alternating and whenever water gets stagnant, mosquito breeding grounds are created. Doctors also say that mosquitoes also are created in the cooler below the refrigerators.
Even though only ten malaria cases were reported in the last six months, 188 dengue cases were found between January and June in the district. Out of this, over 30 belong to other districts. Last year, 214 dengue cases were reported out of which 139 were from the district. Till June 92 cases have been registered, which is double that of the previous year. Most of the dengue cases are from Udupi city, Kaup, Ajekar, Hiriadka and Hebri.
Dr Prashanth Bhat, controlling officer for vector borne diseases of the district, said that dengue cases are found mostly in the city apart from Edu, Hiriadka and Hebri primary health centre limits.