Dakshina Kannada Achieves Stunning 99% Reduction in Malaria Cases, Nears Disease-Free Status
Mangaluru: In a remarkable public health turnaround, Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka is rapidly progressing toward becoming malaria-free, marking a dramatic shift from its previous status as a malaria epicenter. Official data reveals an extraordinary decline in cases, plummeting from 4,741 in 2017 to just 87 in 2024 and a mere 56 in 2025. Notably, the district has reported no local malaria cases on the official portal this year, signaling a major milestone in disease control efforts.
Vigilant Surveillance Continues Despite Progress
However, health authorities emphasize that surveillance remains intensive to prevent sporadic outbreaks. Dr. Naveen Chandra Kulal, the district surveillance officer, highlighted that 2025 witnessed no malaria cases reported through the government's Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) for over a month. "In 2025, the majority of local cases were confined to Mangaluru city limits," Dr. Kulal explained. "Additionally, hospitals in the city treated malaria patients from other states. Those who stayed more than 15 days in other districts or states prior to diagnosis are not classified as local cases. Our current challenge is to contain the spread from patients arriving from other regions."
The health department has implemented rigorous monitoring of migrant populations, particularly laborers from states including Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Maharashtra. Dr. Kulal added that fever cases are regularly tracked on the IDSP to ensure early detection and response.
Dakshina Kannada Also Declared Free from Kyasanur Forest Disease
In another significant health achievement, Dr. Thimmaiah HR confirmed that Dakshina Kannada has been removed from the list of districts endemic to Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), commonly known as monkey fever. "Currently, Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, and Shivamogga are considered endemic for KFD," he stated. "Dakshina Kannada reported its last KFD case in Beluvai in 2014, with no subsequent cases. Nevertheless, surveillance continues, including autopsies on monkey deaths and tick collection to confirm whether animals died from KFD."
This dual success in combating both malaria and KFD underscores the district's strengthened public health infrastructure and proactive disease management strategies. The continued focus on migrant laborer health and wildlife monitoring demonstrates a comprehensive approach to preventing disease resurgence.
