Media Release

Udupi, May 21: All construction workers arriving in Udupi district from other states must undergo mandatory screening for malaria and filariasis within 4 to 5 days of their arrival. This preventive measure aims to curb the spread of infectious diseases and enable early diagnosis and treatment if symptoms are detected, said Dr Prashanth Bhat, District Vector-Borne Diseases Control Officer.

He was speaking at a meeting organized by the Udupi City Municipality in collaboration with the Builders’ Association, held at the City Municipality office hall. The meeting focused on preventive measures against monsoon-related diseases such as malaria, filariasis, and dengue.

Dr Bhat emphasized that moving workers from one site to another increases the risk of disease transmission. Hence, it is crucial for builders to maintain complete records of the workers employed at their sites. The health department is offering free on-site screening for these workers, and builder cooperation is essential in ensuring the health of their labor force, he added.

While malaria can be treated effectively, there is currently no specific treatment for dengue, making preventive care vital. He noted that dengue-spreading mosquitoes bite during the daytime, underscoring the importance of personal protection and maintaining cleanliness in and around residential and construction areas, especially overhead water tanks.

Udupi City Municipality president Prabhakar Poojary warned that if any construction site is found to be lacking in cleanliness and becomes a hotspot for malaria or other infectious diseases, strict action will be taken. This may include on-site inspections, penalties, and even cancellation of builder licenses.

Also present at the meeting were vice president Rajani Hebbar, municipal commissioner J Mahesh, environmental engineer Sneha K S, office manager Narayan S S, health inspectors, revenue officers, municipal staff, health department officials, builders, and others.