Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, has reported its first dengue-related death since January, marking a concerning development amidst a recent surge in cases of the mosquito-borne disease. The victim, a 27-year-old resident of CV Raman Nagar, succumbed to dengue on Saturday, June 27th. He had been admitted to Manipal Hospital on June 25th with a fever and was diagnosed with severe dengue with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.
Since the beginning of the year, Bengaluru has seen a significant rise in dengue cases, with a total of 1,743 reported. This recent fatality has raised concerns and prompted the civic body, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), to investigate the cause of death in two suspected dengue fatalities that were reported on Friday, June 26th.
Following a death audit, one of the suspected deaths was confirmed as a dengue-related fatality, while the other case, involving an 80-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu, was ruled out. The woman had pre-existing conditions, including breast and colon cancer, and exhibited dengue symptoms, but the cause of her death was not attributed to dengue.
In response to the increasing number of dengue cases across the state, Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed officials to prioritize the detection and treatment of the viral infection. According to the Chief Minister’s office, a total of 5,374 dengue cases and five deaths were reported in Karnataka until June 24th.
The recent dengue-related death in Bengaluru serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by the disease, particularly during the monsoon season. Authorities are urging residents to take preventive measures to minimize the risk of mosquito breeding and spread of the virus. These measures include eliminating stagnant water sources, using mosquito repellents, and seeking medical attention promptly if experiencing dengue symptoms.
