563 new dengue cases in Bengaluru since August 11

East Zone appears to be the worst affected with 1,937 cases confirmed since January 2019

Stagnant water is a breeding ground for the mosquitoes that transmit diseases like malaria and dengue.

In four days, the number of people afflicted by dengue has risen by over 12%, with as many has 563 new cases registered. Till Sunday, the civic body had recorded 4,443 cases but by Wednesday, the number had risen to 5,006, said officials.

The East Zone appears to be the worst affected with 1,937 cases confirmed since January 2019. For the same period, Bengaluru South recorded 786 cases, followed by Mahadevapura (760). Dasarahalli Zone saw the lowest number with 116 cases.

Among the wards, Hoysalanagar has reported the highest number of cases (213) followed by New Tippasandra (186), and Benniganahalli (163).

To tackle the problem, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has taken up door-to-door campaigns in the worst-affected wards and is creating awareness among citizens on how to identify breeding spots.

50 high-risk wards

Health officials have attributed the rise in dengue cases to various reasons, including intermittent rains and water-logging.

“We have identified 50 high-risk wards. Each has reported more than 20 dengue cases. We have intensified preventive measures,” said Dr. B.K. Vijendra, Chief Health Officer. “In addition to the existing staff, 200 volunteers have been appointed on a contract basis for a month in the high-risk 50 wards. Each ward will be given four volunteers. They will be paid ₹15,000 per month and, if needed, the contract will be extended to two more months,” he added.

He also said that the people should be careful. He suggested cleaning any container in which water is stored every two days.

Volunteers try to correct misconceptions

Volunteers tasked to create awareness about dengue and preventive measures face various challenges, including non-cooperation by citizens.

“Many times, people are not receptive when we tell them that dengue mosquitoes breed in clean water and are active during the day,” said a volunteer. In such times, volunteers demonstrate and educate people on the formation and presence of larva in water. “It is a time-consuming process,” he added.

The number of cases reported in the city from January to June this year was around 530. By the first week of July, the number had risen to around 1,830.