Dengue

What is Dengue

Dengue fever is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which is transmitted to humans through mosquitoes. It can lead to a wide range of symptoms, from mild flu-like illness to severe effects such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which can be life-threatening. It's a common illness in tropical and subtropical regions like here in Bangalore.

Causes of Dengue Fever

1. Primary Mode of Transmission

Dengue virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, especially the “Yellow fever mosquito”, Aedes aegypti. The virus belongs to the scientific family Flaviviridae. These mosquitoes bite during the daytime, with peak biting periods in the early morning and late afternoon.

2. Environmental and Climatic Factors

i) Mosquito Breeding: Aedes mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant water found in urban and semi-urban areas. Common breeding sites include flower pots, discarded tires, and containers that collect rainwater.

ii) Climate: Warm and humid climates provide ideal conditions for mosquito breeding and for the dengue virus to replicate within mosquitoes.

Key Symptoms

✔️ Mild Dengue Fever: Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, and rash.

✔️ It is often described as flu-like.

✔️ Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever/Dengue Shock Syndrome): In severe cases, symptoms can progress to severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, and difficulty breathing.

✔️ This can lead to shock, organ failure, and sometimes death if not treated promptly.

Presence of Dengue in Bangalore

Bangalore, like many tropical and subtropical regions, is susceptible to dengue outbreaks due to several factors:

1) Climate: The warm and humid climate of Bangalore provides favorable conditions for mosquito breeding and virus transmission.

2)Urbanization: Rapid urbanization often leads to unplanned growth - several construction, industrial, and residential sites can create pockets of stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.

3) Travel: Movement of infected individuals or mosquitoes can introduce the virus into new areas.

Case Studies

Dengue cases surge by 59% in Bengaluru exposing chinks in BBMP’s preparednessIn an alarming rise, dengue cases in Bengaluru have jumped by 59% as against the previous year for a period between January to May. The Bruhat Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has attributed the surge to enhanced reporting of the cases.

172 dengue cases reported in BengaluruThe BBMP will be organising awareness programmes in every ward and on social media about dengue. The civic body’s wet and dry waste collection vehicles will make announcements about taking precautions, and usage of mosquito nets. The civic body will also distribute pamphlets to spread awareness.

Risk Factors and Vulnerable Populations

1. Urbanization: Rapid urbanization, poor water management, and inadequate sanitation contribute to increased standing water where mosquitoes can breed, increasing the risk of dengue transmission.

2. Travel: People traveling to or from areas with dengue fever can introduce the virus to new regions if they re bitten while infected with dengue.

3. Age and Health Status: Children and older adults, as well as individuals with compromised immune systems, may be at higher risk of severe dengue.

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