Dengue cases on rise in State

Unseasonal rains over the last few weeks have led to a spurt in the number of dengue cases across the State.

As many as 450 cases have been reported in Karnataka so far. Statistics collated by the Department of Health and Family Welfare reveal that there has been a sudden rise in the number of dengue cases in the past one month.

While Bengaluru has reported 88 positive cases, Ballari has seen as many as 72 cases and Raichur 47, since January. A majority of the cases were reported in the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike limits. Sixty-two positive cases have come to light in the Palike limits. The numbers could be far more than recorded. A BBMP official said private hospitals in the City had been asked to give an update on the number of cases they treat on a daily basis, but not many were reported.

Besides organising camps, the Palike health department has stepped up awareness campaigns. Area-wise camps are also being organised. All hotels across the City have been told to supply boiled water to their customers, but people have to themselves make a personal choice to consume it in the interest of their health, the official said. So far, no dengue deaths have been reported.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Dr Jayanth, consultant, Internal Medicine, Apollo Clinics, said at least 60 per cent of the fever cases they came across tested positive for dengue. “It is tough when people below the age of five and elderly get fever, as their immunity is weak,” he said.

Dr Jayanth warned that with unseasonal rains continuing, there could be a further rise in the cases. “Last year, we saw that platelet count in patients, which should be ideally be around 1.5 lakh, would drop to as less as 60,000 within a day and go further down. A change in the strain of the dengue virus might be a reason for the phenomenon,” he pointed.