Following recent rains, Udupi district in Karnataka has experienced a concerning surge in dengue fever cases, prompting swift action from health authorities. The district’s health department has initiated a comprehensive larvae survey to combat the outbreak, focusing on city areas with suspected high larvae infestation. An anti-larval and mosquito eradication programme is underway across the district to address the issue.
Since January this year, Udupi has reported 47 cases of dengue, compared to a total of 635 cases reported last year. Dr. Prashanth Bhat, Udupi’s district vector-borne disease control officer, stressed the importance of maintaining clean surroundings and preventing water stagnation, especially with the onset of the rainy season. Identifying common breeding grounds for larvae, such as unused freshwater, air coolers, and discarded tires, Dr. Bhat highlighted the significance of early detection and elimination of these breeding sites.
In response to last year’s surge in dengue cases, efforts were mobilized in Udupi city areas during October to control the mosquito population. Medical students from Kasturba Medical College in Manipal collaborated with the Department of Community Medicine, Udupi District Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (DVBDCP), and District Health and Family Welfare Department to conduct mosquito control initiatives. Similar coordinated efforts are underway this year to curb the spread of dengue.
Over the past few years, dengue cases in Udupi have fluctuated, with 513 cases reported in 2022, 380 cases in 2021, and 139 cases in 2020. The presence of migrant worker accommodation units in the district necessitates extra vigilance, as migrant laborers are considered a high-risk group for dengue fever, noted the health official.
