Rise of epidemics in the district,especially in the backward taluk of Deodurga is always a newsmaker in the State.
   Outbreaks of epidemic diseases are common during every summer in the taluk. It has been reported that more than 12 persons died of diarrhoea (mistaken for malaria) this year in Galag and its neighbouring villages in Deodurga.
   Health Department Director Dr Rudrappa who paid a visit to Deodurga taluk in April 2007, said there were several hurdles in preventing diseases, such as malaria. He said the unclean atmosphere in the villages of Deodurga taluk was the main cause for the outbreak of diseases. It was the duty of gram panchayats to maintain cleanliness and create awareness in the people about diseases. So health workers will visit each and every house in malaria affected villages from time to time to take stock of the situation, Mr Rudrappa stated.
   To eradicate malaria in the entire district, the department of health and family welfare conducted several programmes in collaboration with voluntary organizations.
   Since January 2,2002 to Mach 31, 2007 blood samples from 28,56,401 persons (against the target of 17,78,286) were collected and treatment has been given to 68,820 persons.
   From January 2, 2007 to March 31, 2007, blood samples from 81,262 persons were collected (against the target of 3,30,328) and treatment was given to 664 persons according to information provided by District Health Officer Dr S S Hiregoudar.