Mangaluru: Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) commissioner Ravichandra Naik emphasized that preventing dengue must be a shared duty as cases continue to climb. Once seen mainly after monsoon showers, the mosquito-borne illness is now detected year-round, he noted. Sporadic rains have created numerous breeding zones for Aedes mosquitoes, escalating the risk of infection.
To curb the threat, the commissioner directed civic teams to conduct frequent larval checks and eliminate potential breeding sources. He urged them to carry out consistent door-to-door awareness drives and warned that fines would be imposed on properties where mosquito larvae are found. Construction sites, often hotspots for stagnant water, require special monitoring, he added.
Naik also highlighted that several cases involve labourers from other states, calling for focused health initiatives for this group. Awareness programmes in schools, colleges, workplaces, and medical institutions were recommended to educate citizens on preventive steps.
Residents were advised to maintain cleanliness around their homes, install mosquito nets, and ensure that no water collects in air coolers, potted plants, or refrigerator trays. Proper disposal of waste was strongly stressed to stop mosquito breeding.
Addressing rabies concerns, Naik stated that dog bite incidents have surged in the past three years, with more cases linked to pet dogs than strays. He urged pet owners to vaccinate their animals on time and avoid abandoning puppies in public spaces. Free vaccines and veterinary camps are available through government facilities, he assured.