Bengaluru, Karnataka: The monsoon rains have brought relief from the summer heat, but for many in Bengaluru, it has also led to a family medical emergency. Atharva Sambrekar, 21, and his sister Pranali, 25, are among those battling dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness that flares up during the rainy season.
Hosur Road in front of oxford college. Photo Credit: Nitish Kumar Reddy/ICAT DESIGN & MEDIA, College in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Mahadevapura, a densely populated area, seems to be the epicenter of the outbreak. Dr. Lokesh, Deputy Health Officer, attributes the surge in cases to stagnant water from construction activities, which has created a breeding ground for the Aedes mosquitoes that transmit dengue. Experts believe that the human cost of this situation could be significant, with many more people potentially suffering in silence.”It’s just the tip of the iceberg. Mahadevapura is a densely populated area. It’s a case of more population leading to more cases. Above all, the dengue cases reported from this area indicate that officers are on the job and doing their part to contain the disease. There might be more cases in other zones than in Mahadevapura, but data is not available to date,” he said.
To contain the disease, mosquito fogging and spraying of insecticides are being conducted, and a program on larviciding involving ASHA workers is also underway, informed Dr. Vishwairiah, Medical Officer of Health unit system(MOH) in KR Pura.
According to some reports, the city has reported over 130 dengue cases daily between July 1 and 6, with a total of 776 confirmed cases till July 6. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has deployed over 3,000 teams to carry out a survey of 25 lakh homes within a fortnight.
Stagnant water after monsoon in Bomanahalli area Bengaluru. Photo Credit: Shikhar Khatri (Bengaluru, Karnataka)
Between January and July, the department detected 3,815 confirmed dengue cases and one death.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court has taken suo moto cognizance of the rising dengue cases in the state, serving notice to the state government and the BBMP.
The Karnataka Health Department has capped Dengue test rates at Rs 300. However, there are reports of labs charging up to Rs 1,500.
The disposal of waste and garbage near the riverbank and drainage areas presents a significant problem. Photo Credit: Vibusha/ICAT DESIGN & MEDIA, College in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
HOA Dengue Fact Sheet
What is Dengue?
Dengue is a vector-borne disease. It is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes (Aedes species) to people. These are the same kinds of mosquitoes that can also cause Zika and chikungunya.
Most of the individuals infected with dengue will not exhibit symptoms. However, for those who do, the most common symptoms include high fever, severe headache, body aches (muscle and joint pains), nausea, and rash. The majority of the people feel better within a week or two. Some people may develop severe dengue and need hospitalization. In severe cases, dengue can be fatal.
There is no specific cure for dengue, but early medical attention can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications. People who get dengue a second time are more likely to have a severe case.
Why are Dengue cases on the rise?
In Bengaluru’s case, unplanned development, poor water storage, migration, and inadequate solid waste management significantly contribute to the spread of dengue. However, Bengaluru is not an isolated case.
In recent weeks, dengue cases have surged in several regions across the country. Apart from Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are also experiencing a notable uptick in dengue infections.
As of April 30, 2024, data from the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control indicate that India has recorded a total of 19,447 dengue cases and 16 fatalities. Kerala leads in the number of cases with 4,412 infections and 14 deaths, followed closely by Tamil Nadu with 4,204 cases and two deaths. Additionally, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have each reported over 1,000 cases.
Since the first major dengue outbreak in 1996, the spread of the disease in India has increased by over 1312%. According to data from the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), 303 dengue patients died in the country in 2022. After the major outbreak in 1996, dengue has spread to new regions. Barring Ladakh, currently, cases are reported from all states and Union Territories.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), has warned that Global warming, characterized by higher average temperatures, increased precipitation, and extended periods of drought, could lead to a record number of dengue infections worldwide.
Is there a Dengue vaccine in India?
There is an increasing public health need for effective preventive interventions against dengue, a disease caused by four distinct viruses known as serotypes 1–4. Each serotype can cause dengue, and infection with one serotype does not provide immunity against the others. This means that people can be infected multiple times, each time with a different serotype, which can increase the risk of severe disease.
A dengue vaccine could be available commercially as early as mid-2026. Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) has completed the first phase of clinical trials to assess the vaccine’s safety, according to the company’s Managing Director, K. Anand Kumar. The second and third phases, which will test the vaccine’s efficacy, are set to commence soon. IIL, founded in 1982, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board.
What are the symptoms of Dengue?
Watch out for these symptoms of severe dengue even after the fever has gone:
- Severe stomach pain
- Vomiting constantly
- Trouble breathing or rapid breathing
- Bleeding from your gums or nose
- Feeling extremely tired and restless
- Blood in your vomit or poop
- Feeling very thirsty, even after drinking fluids
- Pale and cold skin
- Feeling weak
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention at a hospital.
It’s important to avoid mosquito bites, during the day, to lower your chances of getting dengue.
What to eat?
When fighting dengue, prioritize a hydrating and easily digestible diet. Water, coconut water, and broths keep you hydrated.
Choose fruits like oranges and papayas, lean protein, and soft veggies.
Skip greasy, spicy, and salty foods – they can dehydrate you and upset your stomach.
