Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada district has witnessed a rise in dengue cases, exceeding 200 in less than six months, prompting the health department to issue a cautionary advisory. Additional staff has been deployed for larvae surveys and awareness campaigns across rural and urban areas.
Dr. Thimmaiah HR, District Health Officer (DHO), highlighted the sporadic nature of dengue cases in the district and urged vigilance among the public. He emphasized the risk of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which transmit dengue fever during daylight hours, affecting office-goers and students alike. Self-medication was discouraged due to potential complications, particularly the decrease in platelet count associated with dengue fever.
Dr. Naveen Chandra Kulal, the district’s vector-borne disease control programme officer, expressed concern over the spread of dengue, noting 211 cases reported in Dakshina Kannada, with significant concentrations in Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) areas like Bunder, Jeppu, and Lady Hill.