Twin threats in Bengaluru: Covid-19 returns and Dengue looms

As Bengaluru braces for a resurgence of Covid-19, another pressing health threat has emerged in the form of dengue fever. With pre-monsoon rains flooding several low-lying areas of the city, fears of mosquito-borne diseases have heightened, especially in regions like Koramangala, Indiranagar, HBR Layout, Sai Layout, and HSR Layout.

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Residents in these areas are facing a dual challenge: the threat of Covid-19 and the increasing risk of dengue due to stagnant water in drains and low-lying regions, which provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The anxiety has escalated to the point where people from Sai Layout have started relocating to safer locations. HBR Layout residents report a palpable fear, with families taking extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

In response to this alarming situation, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has ramped up fogging operations in affected localities, particularly in Indiranagar, to curb mosquito populations. Simultaneously, BBMP’s health department is planning mass testing campaigns in areas where water has stagnated for three to four days, aiming to detect dengue cases early and prevent a potential outbreak.

Health officials emphasize that pre-monsoon conditions combined with stagnant water pose a significant risk for vector-borne diseases. Dengue cases typically spike during such conditions, and early detection is crucial to avoid hospitalizations and fatalities. The health department is urging residents to be vigilant, clear any stagnant water around homes, and report symptoms immediately.

As the city grapples with rising Covid-19 cases and the looming threat of dengue, authorities are on high alert, balancing resources and strategies to mitigate both health crises.