Health dept on high alert as dengue threat looms in Belagavi
While the number of dengue cases remained under control in June, health officials are on alert for a potential surge. According to district health officer (DHO) Dr SS Gadad, the department identified around 1,300 suspected cases of dengue-related symptoms in June. Of these, 620 samples were collected for testing, with only 21 confirmed positive, indicating a manageable situation so far.
Speaking to TOI, Dr Vivek Honnalli, vector-borne disease officer at the DHO office, said, "The situation is under control as of June, but we cannot remain complacent.
With increasing rainwater stagnation in July, conditions become ideal for dengue-spreading mosquitoes to thrive."
To tackle the threat proactively, the health department launched a 20-day awareness campaign, covering nearly 5,000 schools across the district starting from June 1. "Last year, most dengue cases were reported among students, so this year we targeted schools first. It was a major effort, but essential in our fight against dengue," Dr Honnalli said.
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In rural areas, the department is observing 'Dry Day' every Friday with the support of ASHA workers, who educate families on eliminating stagnant water around houses and promoting proper drainage. In both urban and rural zones, awareness is being spread through public announcements and informative songs played via waste collection vehicles, reinforcing the importance of mosquito control.
Health officials continue to urge residents to cooperate and take personal precautions to prevent the disease from escalating in the coming weeks.
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