Dakshina Kannada reports 43 dengue cases this year, DHO cautions against self-medication

The Hindu

03-06-2025

Stating that Dakshina Kannada district had reported 43 dengue cases till May this year, H.R. Thimmaiah, the District Health and Family Welfare Officer, on Tuesday, cautioned people against self-medication to treat the fever.
Addressing the media, the DHO said that people should consult a doctor or visit the nearest government healthcare facility if they develop symptoms such as a sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and a rash.
Seasonal scare
Number of dengue cases reported in Dakshina Kannada distict
Taluks & MCC 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 (till May) MCC 85 185 379 235 8 Mangaluru 64 60 94 106 13 Bantwal 63 39 61 115 5 Puttur 32 7 5 24 5 Sullia 27 (one death) 15 4 11 2 Belthangady 24 82 23 43 10 Total 295 388 566 534 43
*MCC – Mangaluru City Corporation
*Mangaluru taluk also covers Ullal, Moodbidri, Mulky areas
Source: Department of Health and Family Welfare, Dakshina Kannada
Going for self medication might lead to multiple health complications, he cautioned.
Household Survey
The DHO said that henceforth, the department will survey 50 households for every case of common fever reported in an area. Households surrounding a fever patient will be surveyed to determine if there are additional fever cases in the area, including those of dengue. It will help contain the spread of the fever.
Dr. Thimmaiah said that more dengue cases are being reported from Belthangady, Puttur and Sullia taluks.
Farmers should ensure that coconut shells and plastic cups used to collect latex during tapping in rubber plantations do not hold stagnant water. They should also ensure that fallen leaves of arecanut palms in the plantations don't harbour stagnant rainwater, he said.
The DHO said that Aedes mosquito breeds in stagnant water found in flower pots, drums, buckets, and rubber tyres. People should empty them at least once a week by observing a dry day.
Dengue fever spreads when infected Aedes mosquitoes bite people during the daytime. Hence, those who take rest during the daytime will have to use mosquito repellent and cover their bodies with proper clothing, he said.
He stressed the role of the public in containing the spread of dengue and asked people, especially those in multi-storeyed buildings, not to allow mosquito breeding in their areas.
The doctor said a dengue patient will have to consume adequate liquid food and take rest.