Udupi: Dengue cases increasing in district

Udupi: Along with the increase in the number of COVID-19 patients in the district, the health department is now hit by a steady rise in the number of dengue cases.

Dengue is under control in the district. However, the number of cases this year has increased slightly compared to the last two years.

A total of 72 cases of dengue were detected between January and May 2020. There were 41 cases in 2018 for the same period.

Presently, 1,058 blood samples have been collected, of which 72 have been diagnosed with dengue. 23 and 24 cases were detected in January and May respectively.

Udupi mostly has malaria cases while dengue cases have been detected at Hanumantha Nagar, Kodankuru and Nittur.

The higher cases are mainly due to the large number of migrant and construction labourers living in Udupi and Malpe. It is more likely to be spread by migrants.

Dengue-borne mosquitoes usually bite during the day, while malaria-borne mosquitoes bite at night.

Protection from these mosquitoes can be by the use of drug-coated anti-mosquito nets, the closing of the window and doors in the evenings, or the installation of mesh.

Those with low levels of immunity are at higher risk for dengue. Thus, children, pregnant women, elderly and the sick need to be more careful.

In wake of the high incidence of dengue in Udupi, the health department had requested the town council to implement the Civic Byelaw. But so far no byelaw has been implemented. If the bylaws are implemented, houses and building within the town council limits will be warned if any mosquito-bearing factors are seen in them. If the same is found again, those premises owners will be fined on the spot.