Mangaluru: With dengue cases steadily climbing, Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner Ravichandra Nayak has instructed officials to levy fines on houses, apartments, and buildings found with mosquito breeding sites.
Chairing the city-level steering committee meeting on the Universal Immunization Programme at the MCC office on Tuesday, he emphasized that tackling dengue is a shared civic duty.
The commissioner noted that intermittent rains have created favorable conditions for Aedes mosquito breeding, leading to a year-round risk of mosquito-borne diseases that were earlier confined to monsoon seasons. He warned that unchecked spread could trigger a serious epidemic, making dengue a pressing public health concern.
MCC teams have been directed to conduct larval surveys, destroy stagnant breeding spots, and create awareness through door-to-door visits. He asked officials to pay special attention to construction sites and abandoned properties, which often turn into mosquito hotspots. Builders under CREDAI were urged to adopt stricter preventive measures at ongoing projects.
Commissioner Nayak also instructed that mosquito nets be provided for migrant workers’ homes and awareness campaigns be conducted on timely vaccination.
Rabies Awareness Drive
On the issue of rabies, Nayak said more dog-bite incidents are now being reported from pet dogs than strays. Stressing that rabies is a fatal viral infection transmitted mainly by dogs and cats, he reminded citizens that free vaccines are available at government hospitals. Vaccination camps are also being organized in rural areas by veterinary departments.
The commissioner appealed to pet owners to avoid abandoning puppies, as this directly worsens the stray dog menace.
The meeting was attended by District Health Officer Dr. H.R. Thimmayya, RCH Officer Dr. Rajesh, District Surveillance Officer Dr. Naveen Chandra Kulal, District Health Education Officer Jyothi K. Ulepady, along with other key officials.