Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada district administration has been striving hard to check the spread of COVID-19 in the district for a month now. The enforcement of the lockdown in the district has achieved some success in arresting the spread of the disease. However, the coming days will be more challenging for the officials as Dengue has already consumed a student’s life in the district.

While the whole district was busy combating the deadly novel coronavirus, 18-year-old Stenita D’Souza, daughter of Titus D’Souza and a resident of Uliya in Ullal, died due to Dengue on April 1. The death shocked the district as this is not the typical season for a Dengue outbreak. Usually, the disease starts to show up during the onset of the monsoons. However, the life of an innocent girl was snatched away quite early, in more ways than one. This is an indication that the number of Dengue cases will likely be more this year.

As per the statistics released by the health department, the DK district witnessed a total of four Dengue deaths last year. Outraged citizens claimed that the situation would have been different if the district administration had taken proper precautionary measures much earlier. This year, the situation is quite unique as the country is struggling to fight against another, more contagious virus- COVID-19. Considering all of these matters, the district administration will have to start taking precautionary measures in order to be better prepared to fight against both the deadly viruses.

The district has already received a good amount of rainfall in certain regions. The meteorological department has also stated that the district can expect a good amount of rainfall this year. Hence, it is the duty of the district administration to be prepared to face the onset of diseases like Dengue, Malaria etc.

According to the MCC, they have already taken precautionary measures to combat Dengue and Malaria, along with the measures undertaken to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Mayor Divakar Pandeshwar told Newskarnataka.com that MCC officials, who are going door-to-door to provide food kits and ration kits to the needy, are also asking the public to ensure that there is no stagnation of water to ensure that no mosquitoes breed in their surroundings. “I have already asked the officials to be ready to face Dengue and Malaria and to take all appropriate measures in this regard,” he said.

Fever clinics should be set up everywhere

Mangaluru MLA U T Khader has urged the district administration to set up fever clinics everywhere to ensure that the public does not face any difficulties. “The district administration should also arrange for blood and platelets for patients who are unable to do so. The Government itself should fix a price for blood and platelets. The local administration should also take precautionary measures to ensure that there is no breeding of mosquitoes at public and private places,” Khader added.