Bengaluru: The dreaded dengue fever has gripped the city with nearly 2,351 confirmed cases across 480 hospitals since January and it is more prevalent in Bangalore East (919 cases) and Bangalore South (503). However, authorities fear the actual numbers may be more as number of healthcare providers are yet to report cases and many are not even registered with BBMP. "These numbers are just a tip of the iceberg, as only 480 hospitals out of 600 registered with us have reported to us," said Lokesh M.N., Chief Health Officer (Public Health), BBMP.
However, BBMP is positive about the reporting a more accurate figure from last year.
“The number of hospitals registered with has increased from 50 last year to 600 now. Our estimate is that approximately 2,000 hospitals are functioning in the city," Lokesh said.
Despite this huge numbers, authorities are maintaining that preventive and surveillance measures are being carried out. “The numbers are huge is not because we are not doing surveillance and awareness measures, it is because the hospitals are proactive in reporting the cases,” he added.
With growing numbers, experts have advised various precautionary measures. “Prevention is the best way to be safe. And if you are infected, relax, and see a doctor. Only less than one per cent of cases have complications if proper care is taken. Normally, the monsoon season brings with it several kinds of viral infections and fevers. Most of them are largely harmless and abate after a week or so,” said Dr Firozahmad H Torgal, Consultant- Emergency Medicine, Columbia Asia Referral Hospital, Yeshwanthpur.
The fever might well indicate dengue in some cases and it is important to be always on the guard. So, in case a fever continues for more than three days, with rashes on the body and severe headache, make sure to consult a doctor, he added.
