Mysore/Mysuru: The dengue cases in the district are under control with only 19 active cases, said District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. P.C. Kumaraswamy, here yesterday.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Dr. Kumaraswamy said, a total of 4,726 blood samples had been tested for dengue from January this year, out of which 599 were tested positive and only 19 cases were active as on July 22.

“The positivity rate compared to last year has decreased as the testing has been increased by 34 percent. It is common that, the positive cases go up with the increase in testing the blood samples. More number of testing will help in detecting cases and also initiate measures to prevent further spread of the disease,” he added.

Dr. Kumaraswamy mentioned that, the department officials had till date visited 7.86 lakh houses in the district and did surveys for larvae and destroyed them.

“We have been carrying out special surveys on every Friday, with the help of various associations to destroy mosquito larvae. Guppy fish is also being let into the lakes and ponds to destroy the larvae,” Dr. Kumaraswamy added. Seeking people’s co-operation to check multiplication of mosquitoes, Dr. Kumaraswamy advised people to visit the doctor on having dengue symptoms like sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, rashes appearing three to four days after the fever.