Mangaluru, Jun 15: The sudden spurt of dengue fever cases in certain parts of Dakshina Kannada district has triggered panic among people. The mosquito-borne deadly disease has already claimed a life in the region on Saturday and 10 other persons tested positive for the disease.
Also, Mohanan, 28, a plumber from Kadagam, Mulleria, Kasaragod, died allegedly of dengue in a private hospital here on Sunday. He had running fever for the past three days and was treated at a private hospital there for two days. He was admitted to a hospital here on Saturday.
The district recorded two deaths and 85 cases between January and July last year. In 2013, during the same period, the number of cases had reached the 150 mark.
In 2014, the district recorded the highest number of dengue cases in April (27), followed by 18 in May. This is the period when the two deaths occurred.
Health department officials say domestic and peri-domestic breeding is rampant, especially in rural areas and unless individuals take responsibility for source reduction, the control of this mosquito borne disease is difficult.
A decade ago, awareness programmes after two deaths and 100 dengue positive cases saw a drastic reduction of cases: 11 cases and one death between 2004 and 2006. The number rose to 422 cases and two deaths in 2009, after which dengue positive cases have always been above the 100 level mark every year.
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