Mangaluru, Jul 10: Health authorities in Dakshina Kannada have appealed to residents to step up hygiene and mosquito-control measures as jaundice and dengue cases continue to rise across the district ahead of the peak monsoon season. While officials said there is no reason for panic, they stressed that early precautions can prevent the spread of both diseases.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, District Health Officer Dr H R Thimmayya said hepatitis A and E (commonly known as jaundice) cases have been reported mainly from Kudroli, Alake and Dongarekere in Mangaluru city. Since June 23, the district has recorded 19 fresh cases.

As part of the containment measures, health teams surveyed 832 households and collected 40 water samples for laboratory testing. Of these, 26 were found safe, one sample tested positive for contamination, while reports for the remaining 13 samples are awaited.

From January to June this year, the district recorded 35 hepatitis A and E cases, including 24 in Mangaluru, six in Puttur, four in Bantwal and one in Beltangady. Dr Thimmayya said the number is slightly higher than in the past few years. He advised the public to drink only safe water, maintain proper sanitation and wash hands regularly, adding that those experiencing persistent symptoms should seek medical attention without delay.

District Surveillance Officer Dr Naveenachandra Kulal said 27 dengue cases have been reported in the district between January and June. Of these, nine were recorded within Mangaluru City Corporation limits, eight in Beltangady, seven in Bantwal and three in Mangaluru taluk.

Although the current tally is lower than last year, officials warned that dengue infections are likely to increase once heavy monsoon rains set in. The district had reported 566 dengue cases in 2023, 534 in 2024 and 190 in 2025, with most cases concentrated in Mangaluru city and taluk. Dr Kulal said adequate rest, hydration and timely medical treatment are crucial, cautioning that ignoring early symptoms could lead to serious complications.

Replying to questions on healthcare staffing, Dr Thimmayya said medical officer posts remain vacant at primary health centres in Shirthady (Moodbidri), Naravi (Beltangady), Ishwaramangala (Puttur), Mani (Bantwal) and Aithyadka (Beltangady). Senior doctor posts are also vacant at the community health centres in Uppinangady, Moodbidri and Kadaba. He invited qualified MBBS doctors to apply, stating that the department is filling the vacancies on a contract basis.

The DHO also provided an update on victims of the recent Kankanady-Naguri mishap. Under the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka (AB-ARK) scheme, treatment costs of Rs 30,000 for two injured children have been cleared, while another victim, Balakrishna Acharya, will receive Rs 63,000 through ESI benefits in addition to Rs 20,000 under the AB-ARK scheme.

Reproductive and Child Health Officer Dr Rajesh, District Leprosy Officer Dr Sudarshan, entomologist Manjula and District Health Education Officer Jyothi were also present at the press conference.