Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, June 23: As the monsoon rains continue to lash Dakshina Kannada in spurts, dengue cases are steadily climbing within Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) limits, prompting an urgent response from the district health department.

Authorities have now intensified surveillance and launched a door-to-door awareness and prevention campaign to control the spread of the disease.

Representational image

Dengue rising as monsoon gains pace

Since January this year, Dakshina Kannada district has recorded 70 dengue cases. Mangaluru urban and rural areas top the list, with 15 and 16 cases respectively. Other taluks reporting infections include Belthangady (19 cases), Bantwal (10), Kadaba (5), Mulki (3), and Sullia (2). Notably, Puttur has reported zero cases so far.

Monthly case trends show a concerning upward pattern. Just 5 cases were reported in January, followed by 4 in February, 7 in March, and 6 in April. However, in May, following cyclone-triggered rains, the numbers surged to 22 cases, and June has already seen 26 cases so far. Though lower than the 184 cases reported by June-end last year, the steady rise this year has sparked concern.

High-risk zones under watch

The health department has identified four PHC (Primary Health Centre) areas within MCC limits as dengue hotspots: Bijai, Ladyhill, Shaktinagar, and Kasaba Bengre. These areas are now under special surveillance, with daily door-to-door visits by ASHAs, health inspectors, community officers, and local health staff.

In addition, 25 Wenlock paramedical students have been deployed on a 100-day dengue prevention campaign, visiting homes, spreading awareness, and helping destroy mosquito breeding sites.

Rural plantations becoming breeding grounds

In the district’s rural belts, rubber and areca nut plantations have emerged as hidden breeding hotspots. Recent inspections revealed stagnant water in rubber tapping cups and fallen areca sheaths, ideal for mosquito larvae development.

The district health office has sent circulars to all grama panchayats, instructing them to initiate larval source reduction and support village-level inspections to eliminate mosquito habitats.

Know the enemy: Aedes mosquito strikes in daylight

Dengue is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is active during daylight hours. It is easily recognisable by the distinct black-and-white stripes on its legs, earning it the nickname “tiger mosquito.” There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue; doctors treat symptoms and monitor for complications.

“Sufficient rest and fluid intake are vital. If initial symptoms are ignored, dengue can become life-threatening,” cautioned Dr Jacintha D’Souza, district vector-borne disease control officer.

Recognise the symptoms

Symptoms of dengue fever include:

• Sudden high fever

• Severe muscle and joint pain

• Intense headache, especially behind the eyes

• Skin rashes or small red spots

• In serious cases: bleeding from the nose, mouth, or gums, vomiting, and fatigue

Year-wise dengue case count in Dakshina Kannada

Dakshina Kannada has witnessed fluctuating dengue numbers over the past six years. In 2020, the district recorded 239 cases, which rose to 295 in 2021. The trend continued upward in 2022 with 388 cases, peaking in 2023 at 566 cases, the highest in recent years. Although 2024 saw a slight decline with 534 cases, the current year, 2025, has so far reported 70 cases as of June, with more likely as the monsoon progresses.

Public participation key to prevention

Though this year’s numbers are lower compared to 2023, the unpredictable rain pattern and stagnant water accumulation remain major risk factors. With June recording the highest monthly cases so far, health officials warn that the trend could continue through August if precautions aren't taken.

“We’re conducting awareness drives, dry day campaigns, and house inspections—but we can’t win this fight without people’s cooperation. Every household must help eliminate mosquito breeding spots,” urged Dr Jacintha D’Souza.