Bengaluru is grappling with a significant rise in dengue cases, recording over 1,000 infections within the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits in just the past three weeks. This surge comes amid news that BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath has tested positive for the virus, highlighting the severity of the situation.
According to recent reports, Bengaluru has witnessed a sharp increase in dengue cases, surpassing 1,000 within the BBMP jurisdiction alone. This figure marks a notable escalation compared to last year, underscoring growing concerns over public health and mosquito-borne diseases in the city.
The situation took a serious turn with the revelation that BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath tested positive for dengue. Despite experiencing mild symptoms since Friday, including a fever, Girinath continued with his duties, overseeing crucial municipal activities. He underwent a dengue test on Saturday, which confirmed the diagnosis. Currently stable, Girinath is recuperating at home while maintaining his responsibilities remotely, according to reports from the Deccan Herald.
In response to the escalating crisis, BBMP health officials have intensified efforts to curb the spread of dengue. Measures include heightened awareness campaigns, door-to-door surveys, and rigorous mosquito-control operations such as spraying and fogging to eliminate breeding grounds.
The cumulative dengue cases in Bengaluru over the past six months have reached 2,447, with Mahadevapura and East zones reporting the highest incidences due to their dense populations, as highlighted in the latest statistics.
Statewide, Karnataka has recorded 5,374 dengue cases and five fatalities. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed health authorities to prioritize detection, treatment, and prevention strategies. In a recent meeting with Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and senior officials, the chief minister emphasized the importance of ensuring adequate medical supplies, including blood platelets, essential for treating severe dengue cases.
Siddaramaiah urged proactive measures, including comprehensive surveys and public engagement through awareness programs involving health workers and volunteers. He stressed community involvement in eliminating mosquito breeding sites to combat the ‘Aedes aegypti’ mosquitoes, carriers of the dengue virus.
As Bengaluru faces a surge in dengue cases, compounded by the BBMP chief’s positive diagnosis, authorities are doubling down on efforts to mitigate the outbreak’s impact. The government’s swift response and community cooperation are crucial in containing the spread of the disease and safeguarding public health in the city.
Sources By Agencies
