With the rise in number of dengue and chikungunya cases even before the onset of monsoon, the Health and Family Welfare Department has appointed nodal officers for all districts to monitor all mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya and malaria, and ensure timely treatment to patients in government health centres and hospitals.
Health Department officials have asked the public to take precautionary measures in view of the possibility of a rise in mosquito menace during the monsoon. It also directed all hospitals in the private sector to report cases of dengue to the department daily.
A total 834 cases of dengue and 304 cases of chikungunya have been reported in the State during January-May 2016.
The highest number of dengue (349) and chikungunya (88) have been reported in May alone.
During the last five months (January to May), Mysuru recorded the highest number of dengue cases (118), while Chitradurga district recorded highest number of chikungunya cases (53). A total of 1,430 cases of malaria have been reported in Mangaluru in the same period. No death owing to dengue has been reported so far. To check spread of dengue, authorities have been told to increase surveillance in areas to detect cases.
A large number of mosquito-borne disceases have been reported owing to sewage flowing out onto the roads, drinking non-purified water, water logging, and unhygienic surroundings, he said.
Those suffering from malaria may contact Prakash, Deputy Director, Malaria-Filaria, Health and Family Welfare Department, on 9449843150.
Addressing presspersons here on Thursday, Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader said assistant and deputy directors of the department have been appointed as nodal officers in districts to monitor communicable disease and to create awareness among the public, including school students.
Three mobile units have been given to each district to transport patients from their residences to heath centres and hospitals, in case of emergencies.
A Swachata Saptaha , cleanliness drive, will be taken up from June 15 to 21 to create awareness among the people about maintenance of cleanliness in public places, schools and colleges, government hospitals and public buildings.
