1,513 test positive for dengue across Karnataka

Bengaluru: Thirty-year-old Ranjitha (name changed), who is also six months pregnant, has just been discharged from a private hospital after being kept under observation for dengue. She is not alone, and many in the city are losing sleep over dengue.

According to the latest report shared by the State Health Department, of the 9,854 suspected dengue cases, 1,513 have been tested positive across the state. “We are seeing a lot of dengue and typhoid cases. Whenever a patient shows symptoms that might indicate any of the two infections, we ask them to get all the tests done. To be sure," says Dr Murali of the CMH Hospital, Indiranagar.

“It is important to know how to spot the symptoms and take remedial measures immediately, to prevent it from turning fatal. Early diagnosis of dengue infection is very important, especially in severe cases of dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DS), which are the major causes of death. Early detection not only has an impact on patient treatment, but also helps in proper management and prevention of any complications," informs Dr Firozahmad H. Torgal, Consultant- Emergency Medicine, Columbia Asia Referral Hospital, Yeshwanthpur. Of the 942 suspected cases dengue reported in Bengaluru Urban, six are confirmed positive. Bengaluru city, however, has reported seven positive cases till now. 

“The public and BBMP should take hygienic measures to make mosquito control effective. Garbage management is also key to controlling dengue, especially during the rainy season as water tends to collect in trash cans and bottles. People should also not allow water to stagnate, while the BBMP should ensure that the drainage system and garbage issue is resolved beforehand," advises Dr Shankar Prasad, Medical Director, St Philomena's Hospital.

Dr Pavan Mangalore, Consultant Emergency Medicine, Columbia Asia Referral Hospital, Yeshwanthpur has asked people to look out for the symptoms.