Just before monsoon arrives, sporadic dengue cases in city

The doctors have stared seeing sporadic cases of dengue in the city. This year, the cases of dreaded viral fever were being reported much in advance.

 According to statistics available with the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), as many as 52 cases have already been reported within the city limits. According to Dr Ambanna Gowda, consultant, Fortis Hospitals, “We usually see a good number of viral fever and dengue cases by August or September when it rains. This time, we have begun seeing patients early.” 

Gowda said that patients with symptoms of viral arthralgia are also seen in good numbers in the outpatient department. “Patients with joint pains, sever back ache and high grade fever are visiting hospital. This, apart from the other usual symptoms of flu,” he explained.

 As a precaution, he suggested that patients visit the doctor if the fever does not subside within two days. “They could have rashes as well,” Dr Gowda added.

 Among the major causes for early onset of the flu, this season, is dip in temperatures in the state following showers. In Bengaluru, he said, the situation usually aggravates due to the garbage menace.

With the BBMP facing shortage of health workers, several measures planned by the local body to control mosquito breeding may fall flat.

Dedicated lab
The BBMP is all set to have a dedicated lab for testing dengue samples from the city. Earlier, samples were sent to the National Institute of Virology at Nimhans.

 “The number of samples that went to National Institute of Virology were very high. To reduce the burden on them, the Health minister had proposed that we have a lab of our own,” a senior official in the BBMP, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Deccan Herald.

The lab would be housed near Johnson Market. The Palike is in the process of recruiting manpower for the said lab which would be ready in a month. Three lab technicians, round-the-clock security and one microbiologist would be working in the facility.
DH News Service

Keep surroundings clean, dispose dry waste scientifically
Use mosquito repellents
Wear full sleeves clothes
Keep yourself well hydrated
If fever does not subside within two days, visit a doctor