By 2025 Dakshina Kannada district would be Malaria free as the Health Department is striving hard to accomplish this target.
Compared to previous years the cases of malaria have reduced this year. Till the end of March, only 33 cases were reported. Out of these, 30 cases are reported in Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) limits. In 2019, 2797 cases were reported in the district, out of which 2593 belonged to MCC limits.
“Precautions are already taken to prevent the spread of malaria. The survey is being done to detect larvae. In 2021, a total of 1,61,931 blood samples were tested, out of which 689 turned positive. This year till March 31, 1,20,507 blood samples were tested, out of which 33 cases were reported said Dr Naveen Chandra Kulal, vector-borne disease control officer of Dakshina Kannada.
“The Health workers are visiting every household and surveying. Rapid kids for malaria tests are provided to them. Results can be obtained within 20 minutes. Under MCC limits, 60 MPW workers are visiting houses. In addition to collecting data, they also check for stagnant water in the vicinity of the houses or buildings. Special campaigns are held to check the health condition of migrant workers also. The mobile vehicle is ready for malaria checking. If anyone has malaria symptoms, the blood samples are collected from home. The public can call 9448556872 in order to obtain this service.”
The Health Department officials have warned of an increase in dengue fever during pre-monsoon. In total 41 dengue cases are reported in the district. Dr Naveenchandra said, “The weather in Dakshina Kannada district is convenient for spreading of endemics. There is a possibility of an increase in dengue cases in the coming months. It is important to see that water does not get stagnant near the houses and apartments.”
Read/Add Comments