Dengue cases are on the rise across Karnataka, with 1,186 cases reported from January to April 30, sparking alarm among public health authorities. Bengaluru leads with 522 infections, followed by Tumakuru (78). Notably, 553 patients are under 18, including 51 infants.
The number of cases surged by 65% in just one month, climbing from 707 in early March to the current figure, despite monsoon yet to begin — typically the peak season for mosquito-borne diseases.
Ansar Ahmed, project director of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), confirmed that all six hospitalisations occurred within BBMP limits. He attributed the spike to weather conditions favouring mosquito breeding, urging citizens to eliminate stagnant water around homes.
“Even small water puddles in discarded containers can breed mosquitoes,” he warned. “Public awareness and precautionary measures are crucial to prevent an outbreak.”
Dr Neha Mishra, infectious diseases consultant at Manipal Hospitals, reported daily dengue cases and warned of a potential surge if intermittent rainfall continues, increasing mosquito breeding grounds in a green and puddle-prone city like Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, chikungunya cases are also climbing, with 280+ infections reported since January. While generally less severe than dengue, the virus causes debilitating joint pain and fatigue.
Health officials have stepped up surveillance and response mechanisms, vowing to prevent a repeat of last year’s steady spike. Proactive containment, awareness drives, and intensified monitoring are underway to curb the potential outbreak.
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