Doctors sound dengue alert

Bangalore is witnessing 20 cases with dengue symptoms daily; health dept says the situation is not as bad as last year, when eight people died of the disease

Doctors sound dengue alert

Bangalore is witnessing 20 cases with dengue symptoms daily; health dept says the situation is not as bad as last year, when eight people died of the disease

Withu00a0 the monsoons drawing to a close, the city is witnessing a spurt in cases with dengue symptoms, prompting doctors to sound the alarm. "At least eight patients with minor dengue symptoms are being admitted to our hospital daily. Once the monsoon ends, such cases will increase as a result of stagnant water. Also, residential areas with bad roads and potholes will be the worst affected by the disease," said Dr J Subhash, physician at a city hospital.

All city hospitals have recorded a spike in the number of patients coming in with viral infections that could eventually lead to dengue. At least 20 such cases are being reported across the city daily. More than 400 cases of food poisoning amongst children have been recorded.

"Dengue usually,u00a0 starts with minor symptoms such as fever and people do not take it seriously. Among kids, cold, diarrhea and gastroenteritis are common symptoms. This monsoon, the number of such cases amongst kids and adults has increased. We have already sounded an alarm and are warning people to avoid street food and take precautions," said Dr HS Maya, a general physician.

Doctors, however, claim that the problem is not as serious as last year, where over eight people lost their lives to dengue. "The symptoms get manifested only post the monsoon season. This year however, we are advising all patients to take precautionary measures. Hopefully, the city will not be affected as badly as previous years," added Subhash.