Dengue fever cases surge in Udupi, health authorities launch larva survey to combat outbreak
Udupi: After the recent rains, Udupi district has witnessed a concerning increase in dengue fever cases, prompting swift action from health authorities.
The district's health department has launched a comprehensive larvae survey aimed at combating the outbreak.
With a focus on city areas where larvae infestation is suspected to be high, the department is spearheading an anti-larval and mosquito eradication programme across the district. Since January this year, Udupi has already reported 47 cases of dengue. Last year's total number of cases was 635.
Dr Prashanth Bhat, Udupi's district vector-borne disease control officer, emphasised the importance of maintaining clean surroundings and preventing water from stagnating, especially as the rainy season approaches. "Larvae are commonly found in unused freshwater, air coolers, and discarded tires. Early detection and elimination of these breeding grounds are crucial," Dr Bhat stated. Recalling last year's surge in dengue cases in Udupi city areas during October, efforts were mobilised to control the mosquito population.
Medical students from Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, collaborated with the Department of Community Medicine, Udupi District Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (DVBDCP), and District Health and Family Welfare Department to conduct mosquito control initiatives. Similar concerted efforts are underway this year to curb the spread of dengue.
Over the past few years, dengue cases in Udupi have fluctuated, with 513 cases reported in 2022, 380 cases in 2021, and 139 cases in 2020. Notably, the presence of migrant worker accommodation units in the district necessitates extra vigilance, as migrant labourers are considered a high-risk group for dengue fever, the official said.
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Kejriwal arrives in Goa on 3-day visit; to oversee planning for 2027 polls
Panaji (PTI): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal arrived in Goa on Wednesday on a three-day visit during which he will hold discussions on strategic planning and organisational strengthening ahead of the 2027 assembly elections in the coastal state.
The former Delhi CM landed at the Dabolim Airport in South Goa where he was received by local leaders, including party's state unit president Valmiki Naik.
"The visit marks strategic planning and organisational strengthening ahead of the 2027 Goa Assembly elections," said an AAP statement.
The party said Kejriwal will be at Shree Swami Samarth Pariwar Math in Siolim in North Goa on Thursday. He will also inaugurate a new 'Aamche Arogya Night Clinic' (health clinic) at Velim in South Goa.
The AAP said the convenor's visit reflects the party's growing focus on Goa and its commitment to expand the organisation at grassroots level in the BJP-ruled state, where polls are due in the first half of next year.
