Mysuru: Due to the rising dengue cases in the district, the district health department began its awareness program in schools on Thursday, July 28.
                                                    Students of St Mary’s school going through larva

Already from January to July 26, the district reported 264 positive dengue cases apart from 24 malaria and 79 chikungunya cases. Due to increase in more number of vector borne diseases, the department decided to reach students so that they can create awareness among their parents and neighbors. They had started creating awareness among schools in rural places and in a day or two, will be starting in the city. Last year that is from January to December 2015, around 382 dengue cases was reported in the district. This year in just seven months that is from January 2016 to July 26, already 264 positive dengue cases have been reported in the district.

Dr S Chidambara, District Vector Borne Diseases Control Officer, Mysuru district said, “During the one hour awareness program for students, we will be telling them more about vector borne diseases like what is larva, where usually it is found and its adverse effect. We will keep a register in the respective classes and students if they come across larva in their houses or surrounding places, will write in the register which will be kept on the lines of an attendance register. On day one we had a good response from students. Students are very eager to know more about dengue”.

Workshop for science teachers

“The department will also be conducting workshop for science teachers across the district. Once science teachers are updated with vector borne diseases especially dengue, malaria and Chikungunya, it will be easy to impart the same to students in their respective schools and colleges. In a couple of weeks, we will be conducting one day workshop for science teachers,” added Dr Chidambara.