Dengue cases in Karnataka drop down after four years

BENGALURU: The state of Karnataka has seen a decline in the number of reported dengue cases. For the first time in the span of four years.

This year, 3,363 dengue cases were reported until November 15, when compared is five times less than the 15,428 cases which had been reported in 2017, as per the data that was accessed by STOI. Bengaluru itself is accountable for 21% of the cases in 2018, which is followed by Dakshina Kannada (16%).

Dr Ambanna Gowda, who is a consultant of internal medicine specialist at the Fortis Hospital, had attributed that the drop in the number of dengue cases is because of the preventive measures and herd immunity that has been developed among the public towards the virus. “Another factor is that the dengue-causing virus is not as virulent this year compared to previous years. Hence, the complications in dengue cases are also less this time,” he said.

“Rain, generally, creates breeding grounds for dengue-causing mosquitoes. However, a heavy spell can also help flush out larvae and pupae from the breeding spots. Conversely, less rain can lead to increased breeding, especially in households where water is stored in open containers,” Dr Ambanna added.

Dr S Sajjan Shetty, joint director, national vector-borne disease control programme, state health and family welfare department, said that the reason for the decline in the cases was also due to the climate conditions. “The surveillance team across the state has been vigilant with mosquito control programmes. Besides, what fuels dengue is intermittent rain, where fresh water accumulates in open spaces and this leads to mosquito breeding,” he said.

Nevertheless, the doctors have also warned regarding the cyclonic effect which could lead to an intermittent rain within the state and the cases of dengue have the possibilities to shoot up in the month of December.