DHO Urges Vigilance as Jaundice and Dengue Cases Surface During Monsoon

Mangaluru

With the monsoon creating favourable conditions for the spread of seasonal diseases, Dakshina Kannada District Health Officer Dr. H. R. Thimmayya has appealed to the public not to lower their guard as cases of jaundice (Hepatitis A & E) and dengue have been reported from different parts of the district. Addressing a press conference in Mangaluru, Dr. Thimmayya said the situation is under control and there is no cause for panic. However, he stressed that public awareness, personal hygiene and community participation are essential to prevent the spread of these diseases during the rainy season.

The DHO said that 19 cases of jaundice have been reported since June 23, with most cases originating from Kudroli, Alake and Dongarekere areas of Mangaluru. In response, Health Department teams have intensified surveillance in the affected localities. A total of 832 houses have been surveyed, while 40 drinking water samples have been collected for laboratory analysis. Of these, 26 samples were found safe, one sample was contaminated, and the remaining reports are awaited.

Dr. Thimmayya said that from January to June 2026, the district has recorded 35 Hepatitis A and E cases. Mangaluru reported the highest number of infections, followed by Puttur, Bantwal and Beltangady. He attributed most of the cases to contaminated drinking water and poor sanitation and advised people to consume only boiled or purified water, maintain personal hygiene and avoid food prepared under unhygienic conditions. The DHO also expressed concern over the emergence of dengue cases with the onset of the monsoon.

The district has reported 27 confirmed dengue cases during the first six months of the year. Mangaluru City accounted for the highest number of cases, followed by Beltangady, Bantwal and Mangaluru Taluk. "As rainfall increases, mosquito breeding also increases. Preventing water stagnation in and around houses is the most effective way to control dengue," he said, urging residents to regularly inspect rooftops, flower pots, discarded containers, tyres and other places where rainwater can collect.

Dr. Thimmayya noted that Dakshina Kannada has successfully managed seasonal disease outbreaks in the past through coordinated efforts of the Health Department, local bodies and the public. He said surveillance teams have already intensified field visits, awareness campaigns and preventive measures in vulnerable areas to ensure that isolated cases do not develop into larger outbreaks. He advised the public not to ignore symptoms such as persistent fever, vomiting, severe body pain, fatigue or yellowing of the eyes and skin.

Early diagnosis and timely medical treatment, he said, play a vital role in preventing complications and ensuring faster recovery. The DHO also pointed out that a few government health institutions in the district continue to face vacancies for medical officers. Qualified MBBS doctors have been invited to join on a contractual basis to strengthen healthcare services during the monsoon season. Appealing for public cooperation, Dr. Thimmayya said disease prevention is a shared responsibility.

"Simple practices such as drinking safe water, maintaining cleanliness, eliminating mosquito breeding sites and seeking timely medical care can significantly reduce the spread of seasonal diseases," he said. With the monsoon expected to continue over the coming weeks, the Health Department has assured that it will maintain close surveillance across the district while strengthening awareness programmes to safeguard public health.