Bengaluru, Karnataka, is grappling with alarming concerns over dengue as the city reports its second suspected dengue-related death within a week. The tragic case involves an 11-year-old boy named Gagan, who passed away at a private hospital on July 5. This incident follows another recent dengue fatality on June 28, marking a total of six deaths attributed to the viral disease across the state.
According to a report by The Hindu, Gagan’s death is suspected to be linked to dengue pending further confirmation through laboratory tests. Earlier, 27-year-old Abhilash from Kaggadasapura also succumbed to the disease, highlighting the severity of the outbreak in Bengaluru.
Dr. C N Manjunath, a prominent cardiologist and Member of Parliament for Bengaluru Rural, has urged the Karnataka government to declare dengue as a state medical emergency. In an impassioned plea, Dr. Manjunath emphasized the urgent need for measures to control mosquito breeding, which is crucial in preventing the spread of not only dengue but also other vector-borne diseases like chikungunya and zika.
Dr. Manjunath proposed the formation of a dedicated task force comprising health officials, urban development authorities, zilla panchayat members, and representatives from water supply and sewerage boards. This task force aims to strategize and implement effective management strategies to curb the rising dengue cases across various districts including Hassan, Chikmagalur, Bengaluru, and Mysore.
“The monsoon rains, coupled with unfinished infrastructure projects such as road works and construction activities, have inadvertently created breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” Dr. Manjunath remarked, underscoring the need for timely completion of civic projects to mitigate mosquito breeding habitats.
Expressing deep concern over the vulnerability of children to dengue, Dr. Manjunath urged school management to convene meetings and devise comprehensive strategies to protect students from infection. He highlighted the lack of specific treatments for severe dengue cases, which can lead to fatal outcomes if complications arise.
As Karnataka faces a critical juncture in its battle against dengue, the call for immediate governmental intervention to declare a medical emergency has never been more pressing. With the number of cases nearing 7,000 and fatalities rising, stakeholders await decisive action from authorities to stem the spread of this deadly disease.
Sources By Agencies
