Dengue cases are increasing in Karnataka, even before the monsoon has started. From January to April 30 this year, the state recorded 1,186 dengue cases. Out of these, six people were hospitalised. Worryingly, 51 of the infected are babies under one year old, and 553 are children below 18.
Experts say early summer rains, ongoing construction, and stagnant water are creating perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Bengaluru residents, in particular, are facing the impact. The number of dengue cases jumped sharply over the past month—from 707 cases on March 2 to 1,186 by the end of April. With more rain expected soon, health officials are taking steps to avoid a major outbreak.
Although this year’s cases are fewer than last year during the same period, officials remain cautious. In 2024, Karnataka had the highest number of dengue cases in India, with 32,826 reported. Tamil Nadu followed with 27,328, and Kerala with 21,075. Karnataka also recorded 20 dengue deaths in 2024, ranking third after Kerala (99 deaths) and Maharashtra (26 deaths).
In comparison, 2023 saw 19,300 dengue cases and 11 deaths in Karnataka.
Bengaluru Has the Highest Number of Cases
Dr. Ansar Ahmed, Joint Director of the State’s Disease Surveillance Programme, said all six hospitalised patients were from Bengaluru. The city accounts for 513 cases—about 43% of the state’s total. He added that awareness campaigns and prevention measures are being increased. He also urged people to avoid water stagnation around their homes.
“Monsoon weather not only helps mosquitoes multiply but also makes it easier for viruses, bacteria, and other germs to spread. Diseases spread through contaminated water, like stomach infections, are also common during this time,” Dr. Ahmed warned.
Doctors Advise Vigilance
Dr. Haleema Yezdani, a general physician from Bengaluru, said that while heavy rains may wash away mosquitoes and their larvae, leftover stagnant water can become breeding grounds. This increases the risk of diseases like dengue.
She explained that dengue symptoms include high fever for 4–5 days, followed by headache, joint pain, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, and rashes for another 3–4 days. People are advised not to ignore these symptoms and to consult a doctor immediately.
Dengue Declared a Notifiable Disease
In September 2024, when dengue cases crossed 25,000, Karnataka declared dengue as a notifiable disease. This means doctors and hospitals must report all dengue cases to the government. New rules were introduced under the Epidemic Diseases Act.
To help with the high number of cases, the government set up a toll-free helpline, reserved beds in public hospitals, and capped prices for dengue tests in private labs. Now, NS1 antigen and IgM antibody tests cost ₹300, and a rapid screening test (NS1, IgM, and IgG) costs ₹250.
