Mangaluru: With monsoon showers gaining momentum across Dakshina Kannada, dengue cases are steadily on the rise, prompting swift action from health authorities within Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) limits.
District Gears Up Against Dengue Surge
So far, 70 cases have been recorded this year across the district. Mangaluru rural (16 cases) and urban (15 cases) areas are most affected, followed by Belthangady (19), Bantwal (10), Kadaba (5), Mulki (3), and Sullia (2). Puttur remains unaffected for now.
Monthly figures indicate a worrisome trend—cases rose from 5 in January to 22 in May, and June alone has seen 26 cases. Although lower than last year’s 184 cases by June-end, the upward climb has sparked concern.
Hotspots Identified, Door-to-Door Drive Launched
The health department has flagged Bijai, Ladyhill, Shaktinagar, and Kasaba Bengre PHC zones as dengue-prone areas. Intensive door-to-door surveillance is underway, led by ASHA workers, health inspectors, and paramedical students from Wenlock Hospital. Their 100-day campaign focuses on raising awareness and eliminating breeding sites.
Rural Plantations Pose Hidden Risk
In rural zones, rubber tapping cups and fallen areca sheaths in plantations have turned into mosquito havens. Panchayats have been directed to carry out larval source reduction and conduct regular inspections.
Aedes Mosquito: The Daytime Danger
Dengue spreads through bites of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, known for its striped legs and daytime activity. There is no specific cure—symptoms like fever, body aches, rashes, and bleeding need careful management.
Public Involvement Crucial
Dr Jacintha D’Souza, district officer for vector-borne diseases, stressed, “We need public cooperation. Community awareness and preventive steps at home are essential to break the mosquito lifecycle.”