The dengue outbreak in Karnataka has reached a critical point, particularly with the ongoing monsoon season. The total number of cases has surged to 9,962, with a staggering 435 new cases and 65 hospitalisations reported on July 15 alone. The death toll has climbed to eight, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The distribution of new cases reported on July 15 paints a stark picture: 5 cases in the age group 0-1 years, 98 cases in the age group 1-18 years, and a concerning 332 cases in individuals above 18 years.
The breakdown of cases by district includes 363 cases in BBMP (Bengaluru), 203 cases in Bellary, 136 cases in Dharwad, 91 cases in Yadagiri, 54 cases in Bangalore Rural, and 49 cases in Chikkaballapur. To date, fatalities have been reported in BBMP (1 death), Dharwad (1 death), Hassan (2 deaths), Shimoga (2 deaths), Haveri (1 death), and Koppal (1 death).
A pressing concern is the alarming concentration of 80 per cent of the dengue cases in Karnataka, the capital city of Bengaluru. Of the 435 new cases reported statewide on July 15, 363 were in Bengaluru, accounting for 83.44 per cent of the total new cases. This underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions in the city.
On June 15, blood samples from 4,325 people were tested in Bengaluru, revealing 363 new infections. Currently, 35 individuals are receiving treatment in various hospitals across the city. Overall, 14,490 blood samples have been tested in Bengaluru, with 3,487 people confirmed to be infected and one death reported.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundurao addressed the rising dengue cases, explaining that there is no specific treatment for dengue fever. “Treatment is symptom-based, and 85-90 per cent of people recover from dengue fever naturally. However, 10-15 per cent of patients are hospitalised due to the severity of the disease. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, and only 1 per cent of patients develop severe symptoms,” he said. Gundurao informed the Legislative Council that 68,000 suspected dengue cases have been registered this year.
The Government is treating dengue fever with the same seriousness as the coronavirus. The health department has formed a special task force, which has identified that if two or three cases are detected in the same area, it will be designated a hotspot.
Fever clinics have been opened in many parts of the state. The task force will control the outbreak and urges residents to take preventive measures, including eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed and using mosquito repellents. The Health Department monitors the situation closely and has ramped up testing and treatment facilities to manage the outbreak. The State Government is making extensive preparations and has advised the public to remain vigilant until September.
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