BENGALURU: Though there is usually a dip in numbers of viral fever cases by the end of June, the numbers are only rising even now. This is due to the continuing spells of rains, according to doctors in Bengaluru.
The number of dengue, chikungunya and H1N1 cases are far more than last year. They constitute most of the viral fever cases that are attended to, the doctors added.
Dr K T Padmaja, Deputy Medical Superintendent, ESIC, Rajajinagar said, “With spells of rain on and off, the breeding of mosquitoes has continued and hence the rising numbers. It is mostly self limiting. However, in case a patient develops secondary infections, they are given antibiotics,” she said. She added that it is usually between April and July that the numbers peak while there is another spell in October. Each day, the hospital sees at least 25 new cases of viral fever.
According to the Health and Family Welfare Department, last year, there were only 110 confirmed cases of H1N1 in the state. In 2017 however, the number is as high as 2,860. As against zero deaths last year, 15 have been reported in 2017. As many as 1,279 cases of chikungunya have been reported in the state.
Similar is the case with dengue. Data compiled by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike in association with private hospitals, reveals that there were more than 3,000 cases in the city alone. The Health Department has said that 5,128 dengue cases have been reported across the city and five deaths were confirmed. However, sources in the department confirmed that these figures were only the tip of the iceberg as there are cases of improper reporting.
Sources said several information, education and communication activities were held in the last three months to educate people on control of mosquito breeding and ensure there is no stagnant water. BBMP has been fogging those areas from where cases are frequently being reported.