Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Apr 2: The district administration and other departments have joined hands for a decisive war against the proliferation of coronavirus. At the same time, they are faced with the need to undertake massive operation against dengue, which is trying to extend its foothold in the district.

A girl from near Ullal lost her life due to dengue on Tuesday. Her death has sounded a warning bell about the prevalence of dengue, which had claimed 13 lives in the district during last year. There was a marked increase in deaths due to dengue last year, as compared to seven deaths in 2018.

Pre-monsoon showers are expected in the coast in a few weeks. Water which gets stagnant turns into breeding grounds for larvae, and in turn, dengue cases are likely to rise. Unless preemptive measures are taken in advance, controlling the disease might prove to be a challenging task.

The temperature on the coast is rising with each day. Rains might happen in the latter half of this month, and the concerned have to take measures before the rains come. Along with steps being undertaken against coronavirus on a war footing, the departments have to brace themselves up for browbeating diseases like dengue and malaria before it is too late.

Dr Manjayya Shetty, health officer of the city corporation, said that a meeting will soon be held with the health workers and care will be taken to ensure that dengue fever does not wreak havoc in the city. One of the measures which can be undertaken is the drive to destroy mosquito breeding centres by undertaking door to door visits as in the past to locate such spots by involving city corporation, national service scheme, nursing students, and other voluntary organisations.