Dengue alert in Puttur as monsoon sets in

Mangaluru: With the monsoon setting in and dengue cases reported in several places, Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai has directed the health department to remain vigilant.Free blood testing facilities have been arranged at all primary health centres (PHC) across Puttur assembly constituency, Rai said.Health workers and ASHA staff have been directed to go door-to-door to create awareness about dengue symptoms and advise residents to visit govt hospitals if fever is detected. The MLA said all necessary preparations have been made at govt hospitals and officials have been asked to stay alert.27 cases in DK so far this yearDistrict surveillance officer Dr Naveen Chandra Kulal said the district has reported 27 dengue cases so far this year, and preventive measures are in place to check its spread. The district recorded 190 cases in 2025, compared to 534 in 2024 and 566 in 2023.Mangaluru city reported nine cases in 2026, Belthangady taluk eight, Bantwal seven, and Mangaluru taluk three, he said.