Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 10: Directing the public to maintain caution rather than panic, Dakshina Kannada district health officer Dr H R Thimmayya stated on Thursday that cases of jaundice (hepatitis A and E) and dengue are witnessing a gradual increase across the district.
Addressing a press conference at the district health officer's office, Dr Thimmayya noted that jaundice cases have been primarily reported from Kudroli, Alake, and Dongarekere areas within the city limits. "Since June 23, around 19 jaundice cases have come to light. A health survey of 832 houses has been conducted, and 40 water samples were collected for testing. Out of these, 26 samples returned normal, one tested positive for contamination, and the reports for 13 samples are awaited," he said.
From January to June this year, the district recorded 35 cases of hepatitis A and E. Among these, 24 cases were reported in Mangaluru, four in Bantwal, one in Beltangady, and six in Puttur. Dr Thimmayya mentioned that the number of cases is slightly higher compared to the past two to three years. He emphasized that the infection, which usually cures within two to six weeks, can be effectively prevented through safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and regular handwashing. He advised individuals to seek medical consultation if symptoms worsen.
Providing statistics on dengue, district surveillance officer Dr Naveenachandra Kulal informed that 27 dengue cases have been detected in the district from January to June this year. This includes nine cases within the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) limits, eight in Beltangady, seven in Bantwal, and three in Mangaluru taluk.
"Compared to last year, the number of cases is currently lower as the district has not experienced intense rainfall yet. However, cases are likely to spike once the monsoon intensifies," Dr Kulal said. He noted that the district recorded 566 cases in 2023, 534 in 2024, and 190 in 2025, with a majority concentrated in Mangaluru taluk and city limits. He stressed that adequate rest and fluid intake are vital for recovery, warning that negligence during the initial stages could prove fatal.
Medical vacancies
Responding to queries regarding staff shortages, the DHO stated that medical officer posts are vacant at primary health centres in Shirthady (Moodbidri), Naravi (Beltangady), Ishwaramangala (Puttur), Mani (Bantwal), and Aithyadka (Beltangady). Additionally, senior doctor positions remain unfilled at the community health centres in Uppinangady, Moodbidri, and Kadaba. He invited qualified MBBS doctors to directly approach the health department, as efforts are underway to fill these vacancies on a contract basis.
Compensation for Kankanady-Naguri mishap victims
Dr Thimmayya also shared updates regarding the medical assistance for the victims of the recent Kankanady-Naguri mishap. Financial aid under the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka (AB-ARK) scheme is being disbursed to the hospital for the treatment of two injured children and an adult. A treatment cost of Rs 30,000 for the two children has been processed through AB-ARK. Another victim, Balakrishna Acharya, will receive Rs 63,000 through ESI benefits alongside Rs 20,000 from the AB-ARK scheme.
Reproductive and child health (RCH) officer Dr Rajesh, district leprosy officer Dr Sudarshan, entomologist Manjula, and district health education officer Jyothi were present at the press meet.