Twin districts report 25 percent malaria cases in Karnataka

Twin districts report 25 percent malaria cases in Karnataka

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Aug 6, 2012 : Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural ceremony of the National Vector Borne Diseases Control Program jointly organized by the DK district administration, DK Zilla Panchayat (ZP), District Health and Family Welfare Department, and District Vector Borne Diseases Control Office for media people, Dr. K. N. Vijayaprakash, chief executive officer of the DK Zilla Panchayat, said that 25 percent of malaria cases reported in Karnataka were from the twin districts of Udupi and DK.

The program was held on Aug 6, Monday at the Wenlock Hospital RAPCC Auditorium.

The ZP CEO also spoke of the need to create awareness regarding vector borne diseases among 3,16,00 children studying in 177 high schools and 1454 primary schools all over DK. He suggested that this could be done by having health experts and health officials from the health department speak about water borne diseases and seasonal diseases for around 5 - 10 minutes per day after prayer. A number of diseases can be eradicated by just teaching students simple habits such as washing their hands before meals, he opined.

Stating that 3,612 malaria cases and 129 dengue cases have been reported from DK till July this year, he said that malaria is common in cities while dengue is common in villages. He spoke of the importance of taking measures to stop these diseases in both rural and urban areas. The media can play an active role in creating awareness among the people, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, O. R. Shrirangappa, district health officer, said that using mosquito nets is an excellent way to prevent diseases such as chikungunya, dengue, and malaria, adding that all individuals must take up the responsibility of taking care of their health.

Dr. Arunkumar, district vector borne disease control officer, gave a PowerPoint presentation on diseases such as dengue, malaria, and lymphatic filariasis.

P. B. Harish Rai, president of the DK Working Journalists’ Union, spoke on the role of the media in creating public awareness of vector-borne diseases.

Rohini K., district information officer, was the chief guest of this occasion.