Bhatkal: Dengue claims another life, bringing death toll to two. The latest victim of dengue fever in Bhatkal has been identified as 77-year-old Mohammed Meeran Saada, a resident of Qazia Street within Bhatkal Town Municipal Limits.

According to his family members, he was admitted to a private hospital in Bhatkal on October 8th after experiencing a high fever. Subsequent blood tests confirmed that he had contracted dengue. Despite receiving medical attention, his fever persisted, and his health deteriorated, leading to his transfer to a private hospital 

in Mangalore on October 12th. Although there was a brief period of improvement, he was eventually moved from the ICU to a hospital ward. Unfortunately, his condition took a turn for the worse, and it was discovered that he had developed pneumonia, prompting a return to the ICU. Regrettably, his health continued to decline, and he passed away on Monday morning.

In Bhatkal, reports of mosquito infestations have surfaced in the old mohallas, particularly on streets such as Qazia Street, Mushma Street, Ghausia Street, Jamia Street, Takiya Street, Shazli Street, Khaleefa Street, and Siddique Street, all of which fall under the Town Municipal limits. Additionally, substantial piles of garbage are accumulating on Jamiaabad Road within the Heble Panchayat and Bunder areas in Mavin Kurwe Panchayat.

Concerns have arisen that the number of dengue cases may increase as these unattended garbage heaps are frequently used by school vans, motorbike riders, auto rickshaws, pedestrians, and various commuters. The local community is urging the taluk administration to prioritize city cleanliness, conduct fogging, and implement mosquito breeding prevention efforts to address public concerns.

It is noteworthy that a 24-year-old youth, Parajval Kharvi, succumbed to dengue on Sunday, and on Monday morning, Mohammed Meeran Saada also lost his life to the disease. This marks the second dengue-related death in Bhatkal, within the Uttara Kannada district.