By:- Team VOH
29 Apr 2024
Following recent rains, Udupi district has seen a worrying uptick in dengue fever cases, prompting swift action from health authorities. The district's health department has initiated a comprehensive larvae survey aimed at tackling the outbreak.
Focusing on urban areas suspected of having high larvae infestation rates, the department is leading an anti-larval and mosquito eradication drive throughout the district. Since January, Udupi has already recorded 47 cases of dengue, compared to a total of 635 cases reported last year. Dr. Prashanth Bhat, Udupi's district vector-borne disease control officer, stressed the importance of maintaining clean surroundings and preventing stagnant water, particularly with the rainy season approaching.
"Larvae are commonly found in stagnant freshwater, air coolers, and discarded tires. Early detection and elimination of these breeding sites are crucial," Dr. Bhat emphasized. Recalling last year's surge in dengue cases in Udupi's urban areas during October, efforts were mobilized to control the mosquito population. Medical students from Kasturba Medical College in Manipal collaborated with the Department of Community Medicine, Udupi District Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (DVBDCP), and District Health and Family Welfare Department to conduct mosquito control initiatives. Similar concerted efforts are underway this year to curb dengue spread.
Over the past few years, dengue cases in Udupi have varied, with 513 cases reported in 2022, 380 cases in 2021, and 139 cases in 2020. Notably, the presence of migrant worker accommodation units in the district requires extra vigilance, as migrant laborers are considered a high-risk group for dengue fever, the official noted.
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