Mangaluru: In an alert issued in public interest, District Health Officer Dr Ramakrishna has said that the risk of vector-borne diseases looms large over 18 wards in the Mangaluru City Corporation Limits after the deluge witnessed in the city on May 29.

Addressing a press meet at his office on Saturday here, Dr Ramakrishna said, “Several cases of malaria have been reported in the city. As per the survey 18 wards in the city are at high risk for vector-borne diseases. Nearly 804 cases of malaria have been reported in the city till April this year.”

“We have identified areas like Derebail North, Derebail East, Derebail West, Derabail East, Derebail North West, Bejai, Mannagudda, Central Market, Bunder, Mannagudde, Kodialbail, Kadri South, Court Road, Mangaluru Port, Cantonment, Milagres, Hoigebazar, Bengre, Attavar that are at high risk for vector borne diseases,” he added.

Advising the general public to exercise caution against the spread of the disease the DHO said that people should immediately get themselves checked if they have fever. He informed that the district health department has set up labs at hospitals for purpose of blood tests and free treatment will be offered to the affected. Further he said that they would be undertaking periodic checks at different sites to keep a check on mosquito breeding. He also said that the health department have distributed 10,500 mosquito nets in rural areas, and 64, 500 mosquito nets will be distributed in city limits.

In case of any emergency people can contact on the 24 hour helpline number – 9448556872.