Dengue cases rise by 60 percent in Karnataka

The Karnataka Health Department has reported a nearly 60% increase in dengue cases in the first half of this year compared to 2023. Cases surged from 2,003 by June 2023 to 4,886 this year, with 1,230 cases recorded within BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) limits and 30 cases in Bengaluru Rural and Urban districts. Health Commissioner Randeep D highlighted efforts to improve surveillance by deploying health staff to towns bi-monthly to reduce infection rates and educate the public.

The increase in cases is attributed to a long dry spell leading to water shortages, prompting increased water storage that has intensified mosquito breeding. Community resistance to larvicide application in stored water and intermittent rains causing outdoor breeding have also contributed to the rise in cases. Increased testing for suspected dengue fever cases has further revealed more infections.