Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada district health department has urged residents to remain cautious as cases of jaundice (hepatitis A and E) and dengue are showing a gradual increase across the district. District Health Officer (DHO) Dr H. R. Thimmayya said there is no need for panic but stressed the importance of preventive measures, including safe drinking water, proper sanitation and mosquito control.
Addressing a press conference at the District Health Officer’s office on Thursday, Dr Thimmayya also provided updates on water quality testing, medical staff vacancies and financial assistance being extended to victims of the recent Kankanady-Naguri mishap.
Jaundice cases reported in Mangaluru city areas
Dr Thimmayya said jaundice cases have mainly been reported from Kudroli, Alake and Dongarekere within Mangaluru city limits.
“Since June 23, around 19 jaundice cases have come to light. A health survey covering 832 houses has been conducted, and 40 water samples were collected for testing. Of these, 26 samples were found to be normal, one sample tested positive for contamination, while reports for 13 samples are still awaited,” he said.
From January to June this year, Dakshina Kannada recorded 35 hepatitis A and E cases, including:
- 24 cases in Mangaluru
- Four cases in Bantwal
- One case in Beltangady
- Six cases in Puttur
The DHO noted that the number of cases is slightly higher than in the previous two to three years.
He explained that hepatitis A and E generally resolve within two to six weeks but can largely be prevented by consuming safe drinking water, maintaining proper sanitation and washing hands regularly. He also advised people to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
Dengue cases remain lower than last year
District Surveillance Officer Dr Naveenachandra Kulal said 27 dengue cases have been reported in Dakshina Kannada between January and June this year.
The cases include:
- Nine within Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) limits
- Eight in Beltangady
- Seven in Bantwal
- Three in Mangaluru taluk
Dr Kulal said the current figures remain lower than last year because the district has not yet experienced sustained heavy rainfall.
“Compared to last year, the number of cases is currently lower as the district has not experienced intense rainfall yet. However, cases are likely to increase once the monsoon intensifies,” he said.
He also shared dengue statistics from previous years:
- 566 cases in 2023
- 534 cases in 2024
- 190 cases in 2025
Most infections during those years were concentrated in Mangaluru city and Mangaluru taluk.
Dr Kulal emphasised that patients should take adequate rest and remain well-hydrated, warning that neglecting dengue symptoms during the early stages could result in serious complications.
Health department seeks doctors to fill vacancies
Responding to questions on staff shortages, Dr Thimmayya said several medical officer posts remain vacant at primary health centres across the district.
Vacancies currently exist at:
- Shirthady (Moodbidri)
- Naravi (Beltangady)
- Ishwaramangala (Puttur)
- Mani (Bantwal)
- Aithyadka (Beltangady)
Senior doctor posts are also vacant at the community health centres in:
- Uppinangady
- Moodbidri
- Kadaba
The DHO invited qualified MBBS doctors to approach the health department directly, stating that efforts are underway to appoint doctors on a contract basis to address the shortage.
Assistance for Kankanady-Naguri mishap victims
Dr Thimmayya also updated the media on financial assistance being extended to victims injured in the recent Kankanady-Naguri mishap.
He said treatment expenses for two injured children are being covered under the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka (AB-ARK) scheme, with Rs 30,000 already processed for their medical care.
Another injured victim, Balakrishna Acharya, will receive Rs 63,000 through Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) benefits in addition to Rs 20,000 under the AB-ARK scheme.
Health department urges vigilance
The district health department has appealed to the public to remain vigilant as the monsoon progresses, noting that waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases generally increase during the rainy season.
Officials advised residents to drink only safe water, maintain personal hygiene, eliminate stagnant water around homes and seek prompt medical attention if they develop symptoms of jaundice or dengue.
Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Officer Dr Rajesh, District Leprosy Officer Dr Sudarshan, entomologist Manjula and District Health Education Officer Jyothi were also present at the press conference.