Bengaluru Faces Surge in Dengue Cases with Over 1,000 Infected

Bengaluru: Bengaluru is witnessing a sharp rise in dengue fever cases, as over 1,000 people have been affected within just 20 days. This surge has led to widespread concern among residents, further intensified by an uptick in viral fever cases.

As per doctors, the spike in dengue and other infectious diseases in Bengaluru is due to weather extremes, such as the lack of rain and cold winds. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) medical officers reported that the number of checks this year has quadrupled compared to last year. The continuous fever survey has also contributed to the higher detection of cases.

In the first six months of this year, 2,457 dengue cases were reported under BBMP, compared to 1,272 cases last year. From June 1 to June 20 alone, 1,246 cases have been registered. Additionally, since January, 109 people have been diagnosed with chikungunya and five with malaria. Over 1,500 people have been affected by viral fevers, including colds and coughs.

Construction work in Mahadevpura and eastern zones, leads to water stagnation, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes. BBMP Chief Health Officer Syed Madani said that this is an important factor in the spread of dengue. In the first six months of last year, 1,009 dengue tests were conducted by the BBMP. This year, the number has increased by 75 per cent, with 4,063 tests carried out. Consequently, the percentage of positive dengue cases has risen by 40 per cent.

There is also concern over chikungunya, with 224 people tested and 109 confirmed cases this year. The southern zone has reported 95 of these cases. Additionally, many people are suffering from common fevers and colds that last for three to four days. Dengue patients are being treated at Victoria, Bowring, KG General, and other hospitals in the city. Most patients' health is under control, according to health department officials, who assure that all necessary measures are being taken.

Adding to the concern, BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath (IAS) has also been diagnosed with dengue. He had been suffering from fever for the past three days, and his blood sample confirmed the dengue diagnosis. He is currently receiving treatment at home.

Dengue cases (by zone): June 1 - June 20

• Bommanahalli: 113
• Dasarahalli: 6
• East: 236
• Mahadevpura: 328
• R.R. Nagar: 83
• South: 113
• West: 77
• Yelahanka: 90
  Total - 1,046 cases

The health department continues to monitor the situation and urges residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of dengue and other infectious diseases.

Health department issues urgent advisory

Health experts warn that while dengue is common, it can become life-threatening if untreated. The disease leads to a significant reduction in blood platelet count, which can be fatal. Dr. Ansar Ahmed, Project Director of Infectious Diseases, stresses the importance of seeking immediate medical attention upon noticing symptoms.

Dengue fever, a viral infection spread by Aedes mosquitoes that bite during the day, typically shows symptoms within four to ten days of the mosquito bite. It often begins with a sudden high fever, accompanied by pain behind the eyes, headaches, and muscle aches. With no specific treatment or vaccine available, management is primarily focused on symptom relief.

As a preventive measure, D. Randeep, Commissioner of the Health Department, announced that dengue control efforts have been intensified in districts experiencing heavy rainfall. Efforts include eliminating mosquito breeding sites and raising public awareness. Health workers and ASHA volunteers are visiting homes daily to inspect and eradicate larvae. They are also collecting data on confirmed dengue cases in district hospitals for better monitoring.