Despite removing fake accounts, 1 in 2 Indians receiving fake news via FB, WhatsApp: Survey

Mangaluru, June 9: As monsoon showers drench Dakshina Kannada, health officials have issued a public alert over a rise in dengue cases, urging residents to take preventive measures to curb mosquito breeding.

District Health Officer Dr H R Thimmayya stressed the need for collective vigilance and community participation to tackle the potential outbreak. “If neglected, dengue can turn fatal. Prevention is in the public’s hands,” he said.

In May alone, 10 confirmed dengue cases were reported, with additional suspected cases emerging, especially in taluks like Beltangady, Sullia, and Bantwal. From January to May 2025, the district has recorded 43 confirmed cases. While this is significantly lower than the 534 cases recorded during the same period last year, health officials are concerned that continuous rainfall is creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

To fight the spread, the administration has declared every Friday as 'Dry Day', encouraging households and businesses to empty, clean, and refill water storage containers like tanks, barrels, and drums. All containers should be tightly covered to prevent mosquito access.

Farmers have been advised to take extra precautions. In rubber plantations, where water can collect in latex cups, regular emptying is essential. Areca nut growers are also asked to check for stagnant water around their fields.

The health department has deployed dedicated teams to carry out door-to-door inspections in areas with reported infections. Each team will survey 50 homes in affected zones, identify potential breeding grounds, and spread awareness.

Dr Thimmayya also warned the public against self-medication. Classic dengue symptoms include sudden high fever, intense headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and vomiting. “Painkillers without proper medical guidance can worsen the condition by lowering platelet count,” he said.

The key to prevention, he emphasized, lies in eliminating mosquito breeding sites and avoiding mosquito bites.
Health Advisory

✔ Empty and scrub water containers every week

✔ Cover all water storage units

✔ Avoid water stagnation in fields and gardens

✔ Use mosquito repellents and nets

✔ Seek medical help for any dengue-like symptoms

✔ Avoid self-medication, especially painkillers

Mangaluru: A man has reportedly lost ₹37.5 lakh after falling victim to an elaborate online stock market scam operated via WhatsApp.

According to the complaint, the victim received a voice call on WhatsApp from a woman identifying herself as Divya Sha, who claimed to be a representative of a company named "Interactive Brookers." 

She offered enticing investment opportunities in the stock market and promised substantial returns. She further informed the victim that a senior official named Mayank Sinha would provide investment training through a WhatsApp group titled Vijay Path Club 231.

Soon after, the victim’s number was added to the group, where training sessions were conducted three times a day, allegedly to teach members how to profit from stock market trades.

Initially investing just ₹1,000, the victim was gradually coaxed into making larger payments. Between April 18 and May 29, a total of ₹37.5 lakh was transferred by the victim to multiple bank accounts shared by the scammers, using RTGS and IMPS transactions. The investment app used by the fraudsters showed inflated returns, displaying a balance of ₹1.29 crore, including fake profits.

However, when the victim attempted to withdraw the funds, the scammers demanded an additional 20% "tax" payment and further investment—raising suspicions. Realizing something was amiss, the victim approached the authorities.

A case has been registered at the Cyber Economic and Narcotics (CEN) Crime Police Station, and an investigation is underway.

Uchila, June 18: A comprehensive free medical camp and health check-up drive was successfully conducted under the joint auspices of Padubidri Government Health Center and Bada Gram Panchayat, Uchila (Udupi District) at the Uchila Ibrahim Cultural Center/Masjid. The initiative aimed at enhancing health awareness and early detection of medical issues among the rural population received an encouraging response from the local community.

During the camp, free screening for Blood Pressure (BP), Blood Sugar, Thyroid, and Hemoglobin levels was carried out. Individuals who tested positive for any concerning symptoms were promptly referred to further medical consultation and treatment, ensuring a continuum of care.

The primary objective of the camp was to raise awareness about preventive healthcare and encourage villagers to regularly monitor their health. In an age where non-communicable diseases are silently rising in rural regions, such outreach programs are vital to empower communities with timely health interventions.

The initiative was led by Panchayat members from the 2nd Bada Ward—Abdul Majeed, Abdul Razak, Leela, and Rumana—in collaboration with the Padubidri Health Center and the Bada Gram Panchayat-Uchila. Their active involvement and commitment played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of this community health initiative.

A large number of residents from Uchila and neighboring areas turned up and benefited from the free services offered by the dedicated medical team. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from citizens of all age groups, reflecting a growing consciousness about health and wellness in the region.

The event was further supported and facilitated by prominent community members including:
•    Ibrahim Mahmood Yermal, President, Masjid Committee
•    Iftikar Yermal, Honorary President 
•    Ahmed Shabu, Committee Vice President 
•    Abdul Azeez Palimar, Committee General Secretary
•    Ibrahim Haji, Committee Treasurer
•    Mustaqeem-Masjid Imam 
•    Ali Umer-Masjid Committee Dawah Chief
•    Shekabba, Ex-Taluk Panchayat Member, Bada Uchila. 

Their wholehearted cooperation and logistical support ensured the smooth conduct of the program, making it accessible, impactful, and beneficial to a wider section of the rural populace.

Adv. P.A. Hameed Padubidri-NRI Social Worker & Pro-bono lawyer, who was present, appreciated this program saying that “such collaborative efforts between local governance, public health institutions, and community organizations serve as a model for inclusive and people-centric healthcare delivery in rural Karnataka; he also applauded the all-out efforts of all the individuals including the Panchayath Members & Masjid Steering Committee executives.