monsoon

Dengue infections are rising steadily across Karnataka even before the onset of the monsoon, with 1,186 cases reported between January and April 30, 2025. Health officials are particularly concerned that over 50 of these cases are in infants under one year of age, while 553 infections are among children below 18. Early summer showers, stagnant water, and construction activity have led to increased mosquito breeding, with Bengaluru alone accounting for 513 cases—43% of the state’s total. The number of infections spiked significantly in April, rising from 707 cases in early March to 1,186 by the end of April. Though this year’s numbers are lower compared to the same period last year, the memory of 2024—when Karnataka recorded 32,826 dengue cases, the highest in India—has health officials on alert. The state had also reported 20 dengue-related deaths in 2024, trailing only Kerala (99 deaths) and Maharashtra (26 deaths). State Joint Director of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, Dr Ansar Ahmed, confirmed that all six hospitalised cases so far this year were from Bengaluru. He urged the public to prevent water stagnation and remain vigilant, as monsoon conditions favour the spread of mosquito-borne, waterborne, and airborne diseases. Dr Haleema Yezdani, a Bengaluru-based physician, warned that water stagnation after rains becomes a prime breeding ground for mosquitoes. She emphasized early detection, noting that dengue symptoms—high fever, severe headache, fatigue, nausea, and rash—should not be ignored. In response to last year’s outbreak, Karnataka declared dengue a notifiable epidemic disease and imposed a price cap on diagnostic tests. The Health Department also reserved beds in government hospitals and launched a toll-free helpline. With more rains forecast, health authorities are stepping up awareness and surveillance efforts to prevent another outbreak. Source: Hindu