Bengaluru, Oct 2: The sudden fluctuations in weather across Karnataka, marked by alternating spells of rain, heat and chill, have triggered a rise in seasonal and vector-borne diseases, particularly dengue and chikungunya.
Health department data shows that dengue cases in the state have crossed 5,000, while chikungunya cases are nearing the 1,000 mark. Bengaluru alone has reported 2,478 dengue cases and 120 chikungunya cases so far.
Doctors have attributed the rise in infections to the breeding of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in stagnant water. They have urged the public to remain alert and to seek medical attention if symptoms such as persistent fever, severe headache, body pain, joint pain, vomiting, nausea, pain behind the eyes, or swollen glands appear.
Apart from mosquito-borne diseases, doctors have also observed a sharp increase in viral fevers, cough, cold, diarrhoea, and respiratory problems. Outpatient departments in hospitals across the state are witnessing nearly a 15% rise in fever-related cases.
Medical experts stress that maintaining cleanliness, drinking boiled water, and consuming nutritious food are key preventive measures. They have also advised citizens to take extra precautions during this period of unpredictable weather.
