Dengue cases rise in coastal region; Precaution is key

Team Udayavani, Jul 5, 2024, 9:42 AM IST

Mangaluru: The number of dengue cases in Dakshina Kannada district has doubled compared to last year.

In response, a special ward has been set up at Wenlock Government Hospital. Continuous rain in recent days has contributed to the breeding of mosquitoes that transmit dengue. Wenlock Hospital has reserved a 15-bed general ward and an 8-bed ventilator ward. Monitoring is also conducted at the taluk level.

Currently, there are 263 dengue cases in the district, with 50% (113 cases) in the municipal corporation area. There are 30 active cases, with most patients resting at home. Last year, there were 120 cases at this time, but cases increased over three months starting in August. This year, intermittent rain since early June has contributed to the rise in cases.

High Incidence in Urban Areas

The municipal corporation area has the highest number of cases. People from various districts and states come to the city for work and education, and some of them show symptoms of the disease. Although the Kerala border is adjacent to the district, dengue is not currently recorded at a cluster level but sporadically across various places.

Door-to-Door Larvae Survey

The health department has decided to conduct a house-to-house larvae survey, with rural health officers appointed in primary health center areas. ASHA workers, MPWs, and local college students are conducting daily larvae surveys in homes and shops. In 2020 and 2021, one death each was recorded due to dengue. Since then, no deaths have been reported. Deaths of people from other districts or states due to dengue in the district are recorded as cases from their respective areas.

No Shortage of Platelets

Health officials said the district has an adequate supply of platelets. Private hospitals also have sufficient platelets. As a precaution, Wenlock Hospital has been stocked with platelets in case of a shortage.

Mosquito Eradication Every Friday

To control dengue fever, mosquito breeding sites across the district are destroyed every Friday. This campaign was launched in Mangalore last week. Water accumulation around homes can lead to mosquito breeding.

Every Friday, the public is urged to clean water-filled drums, tanks, barrels, etc., at home and in government offices, schools, and colleges. Disposing of water-accumulated pots, old tires, and other items will destroy mosquito breeding sites and help control dengue fever, according to health department officials.

“With the onset of monsoon and changes in weather, fever cases are being recorded in many places. Typically, people with mild fever do not get tested and take medication at home, which is not the correct approach. Any fever should be checked by a doctor,” said Dr. Naveenchandra Kulal, District Vector-Borne Disease Control Officer

Various Measures in Udupi District

Udupi: Dengue cases have increased fourfold this year compared to last year, with 182 cases reported so far.

To manage dengue cases, health department wards in the district hospital are not reserved but are prepared to provide treatment based on the severity of the cases.

Last year, there were 45 cases reported at this time. Currently, 4 patients are receiving treatment at the district hospital, and 20 patients are in private hospitals.

The district has a total of 41 primary health centers, and so far, 2,099 blood tests have been conducted. Among them, 292 suspected cases were identified, and 182 were confirmed. Various patients with different symptoms are being treated in the 125-bed district hospital. If additional patients arrive, they will be admitted to private hospitals on the district hospital’s recommendation.

High Cases in Manipal

As many as 112 cases have been registered in Udupi taluk, 43 in Kundapur and 27 in Karkala taluk. A total of 28 cases have been confirmed in the industrial area of ​​Manipal. Cases have been registered in various places including Udupi 18, Hirebettu 14, Kollur 10.

Fogging Conducted Twice in Manipal Industrial Area

Fogging has been conducted twice by the department in the industrial area of Manipal, where more cases have been detected. Fogging has also been carried out in Kollur and Hirebettu areas. According to department officials, due to the use of chemicals, fogging is only used in areas where cases have been detected.

The blood bank at the district hospital has a stock of over 21,000 units of blood. Although there is no specific medicine for dengue, all supportive medicines are available. The district officials have already instructed various departments, including horticulture, KSRTC, local administration, and fisheries, to take preventive measures. Local authorities have been advised to ensure that water does not stagnate in rubber plantations, pineapple, and arecanut orchards. Orders have been issued to prevent water stagnation in tires at KSRTC depots. Local administration has been instructed to take precautions to prevent water stagnation in drains and public places. Fishermen have been directed to remove tires placed around boats, which can collect water, and to install ropes instead.

Larvae Survey

To raise awareness about dengue in all schools, the Zilla Panchayat CEO has instructed the creation of a special task force to work in coordination with the health department. Larvae surveys are being conducted at all primary health centers.

Health officers state that dengue symptoms are being observed not only in district residents but also in people coming from other districts and states.

1,350 Blood Samples Tested

From January 2024 to date, out of 1,414 suspected dengue fever cases, blood samples of 1,350 individuals have been collected and sent to the lab. Among them, 187 have tested positive for dengue.

“All medicines required are stocked in the district hospital. Even for common fevers, people should not neglect them and should go to the nearest hospital for treatment. Care should be taken to ensure that water does not stagnate around houses and shops to prevent mosquito breeding,” said Dr. Ashok, District Surgeon, Udupi.

“Dengue is increasing in the district. It is necessary to take preventive measures to avoid the disease rather than taking action after it occurs. Control is possible only with community participation,” said Dr. I.P. Gadad, District Health Officer, Udupi.