JOIN USWaste mismanagement leaves Kodagu battling with vector-borne diseases
A sudden surge in the number of vector-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya and malaria in Kodagu district has caught the health department unawares. As compared to last year, the number of dengue cases in the district has gone up. In addition, 11 H1N1 cases too have been reported in the district.
In spite of the health department initiating precautionary measures, the number of dengue cases in Kushalnagar in Somwarpet taluk has increased.
A total of 72 dengue cases were reported in the district in 2016. This year till July 24 from January, 153 cases have been reported. Every year, dengue cases were reported in Karike in Madikeri taluk owing to the rainwater stagnation which was typically high in the rubber plantations in Karike. Health officials state that this year however, the increase in dengue cases in Kushalnagar was due to a lack of scientific disposal of waste in North Kodagu.
The number of patients who are getting admitted to hospitals in Madikeri have also increased. In spite of an increase in vector-borne diseases, the CMC has not taken up fogging and cleaning of drains feel residents. Barring July 17, 18 and 19, the district has been receiving only a drizzle since the onset of monsoon. Meanwhile, patients with fever, cough, severe headache, muscle and join paints have been visiting the hospitals. Further, hospitals in the district lack blood component separation units in the district, thereby forcing patients to visit hospitals in Mangaluru and Mysuru. Patients from Karike, situated on the border of Kerala get admitted in hospitals in Kerala.
“There has been an increase in dengue cases in Malnad. In addition, the problem of disposal of solid waste has aggravated. Mosquitoes breed on stagnant water on areca sheaths, tyre, tubes and plastic glasses as well. Mosquitoes breed on pure and clean water too while aedes aegypti spreads dengue during day time. One needs to be alert,” said District Surveillance Officer Dr M Shivakumar. He said that, “One should ensure that water does not remain stagnant. Blood samples should be tested if anyone is found suffering from symptoms of dengue.”
Blood samples of 617 suspected dengue cases have been tested of which, 153 have been confirmed. All the patients suffering from dengue have recovered. The health workers are visiting households to create awareness. Elisa test for dengue fever is being carried out at the district headquarters,” the surveillance officer told DH.
According to doctors, there is no specific treatment for dengue. Doctors treat patients depending on the symptoms.