Bengaluru is grappling with a concerning resurgence of dengue fever, posing significant health risks particularly to women and children, according to recent reports from city hospitals and health authorities. With hospitals reporting up to 10 new cases daily on average, medical professionals and civic authorities are on high alert amid the ongoing monsoon season.
Data from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) reveals an alarming average of 60 new dengue cases per day during the first 29 days of the month, highlighting the rapid spread of the vector-borne disease across the city. Healthcare providers are particularly alarmed by the impact on vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and children. At SPARSH Hospital on Infantry Road, doctors from the department of obstetrics and gynaecology have noted a concerning trend with 6-8 cases of dengue among pregnant women every month. A specialist in the field, emphasized the heightened risks for pregnant women, citing potential complications such as haemorrhagic fever and vertical transmission to the foetus, leading to preterm birth and other health complications. Similarly, Kauvery Hospitals reported a daily average of 4-5 cases of dengue among pregnant women, underscoring the severity of the situation. Dr. Suresh, a consultant physician at the hospital, attributed the spike in cases to the onset of the monsoon season, expressing hope that numbers would decline once the weather stabilizes.
Medical experts caution that adherence to preventive measures is crucial to mitigating the spread of dengue. Recommendations include eliminating stagnant water sources where mosquitoes breed, using mosquito repellents, and wearing protective clothing, especially during dawn and dusk when the Aedes mosquito, responsible for dengue transmission, is most active. Public health officials and healthcare providers are working in tandem to raise awareness and implement preventive strategies across Bengaluru. Efforts are focused on early detection, prompt medical intervention, and community engagement to curb the dengue outbreak and protect vulnerable populations. As Bengaluru navigates through this health crisis, sustained vigilance and proactive measures remain imperative to effectively combat the spread of dengue and safeguard the health and well-being of its residents, especially women and children who are at heightened risk during this critical period.
