As part of the precautions, people must prevent the surrounding water from stagnating. |Photo source: Sushil Kumar Verma
Even before the monsoon began, the number of dengue fever cases in Karnataka gradually increased. From January to April 30 this year, the state recorded 1,186 cases, six of which required hospitalization. The 51 in these cases were children under one year of age, while the 553-year-old child was under 18 years old.
In early summer showers, construction activities and water stagnation caused mosquitoes to reproduce, and residents of Bangalore felt a sting. In fact, the number of dengue cases has increased dramatically over the past month. Starting from 707 positive cases in the week ended March 2, as of April 30, the number of cases has reached 1,186. More rain is expected in the coming days and health authorities are trying to prevent any outbreaks.
Although the number of dengue cases this year is lower than those reported during the corresponding period last year (January to April 30), it is the highest case in the country as Karnataka reported 32,826 health authorities in 2024. Karnataka is followed by Tamil Nadu with 27,328 cases and Kerala with 21,075 cases.
There were 20 dengue deaths in Karnataka in 2024, the third highest death in the country, with Kerala recording 99 deaths, the highest death in the country. Maharasthra followed Kerala to death 26 people.
In 2023, Karnataka recorded 19,300 dengue cases and 11 deaths.
The highest from Bangalore
Ansar Ahmed, the state joint director of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP), said all six hospitalized cases were reported by the BBMP. As usual, Bangalore also recorded the most cases so far this year, with 513 (43.2%) from the city, he said.
Dr. Ahmed said that besides monitoring and preventive measures, he claimed that in addition to monitoring and preventive measures, Dr. Ahmed said it was necessary to avoid water stagnation around him. In addition to mosquitoes, bad weather also helps viruses, bacteria, parasites and various other pathogens reproduce. These can cause viral, bacterial and fungal diseases. The spreading diseases of these diseases are mainly through feces-contamination, mainly through pollutants, and are also common on masks, as well.
“While heavy rain will wash away mosquitoes and their larvae, thus temporarily preventing reproduction, water stagnates after rain and becomes a breeding point. This can increase the spread of vector diseases.”
Dengue and dengue-like diseases both present similar symptoms, including high fever that lasts for 45 days, followed by persistent severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and rash for an additional three or four days. She added that people should not ignore any symptoms and should not seek medical advice early.
Dengue Fever Disease
In September 2024, when cases crossed the 25,000 mark, Karnataka had notified dengue fever, including the severe form of the carrier-borne disease as an epidemic. The state has amended regulations under the Epidemic Act 2020, and the Karnataka Epidemic (Amendment Regulation) was published in the official communiqué in 2024.
Last year, the rise in dengue fever drove demand for platelets. In addition to setting up free calls and booking beds for dengue patients in government hospitals, Karnataka Health Department has also announced that the price cap on dengue Elisa NS1 antigen and dengue ELISA ELISA ELISA IGM IgM antibody test is 300 rupees. For the rapid card screening test (NS1, IGM and IgG antibodies), the government has set the price at Rs 250.
publishing – May 3, 2025, 10:55 am
