Dengue cases drop sharply in Bengaluru

Preventive measures by civic authorities appear to be yielding results, with Bengaluru recording less than half the number of dengue cases so far this year compared to the same period in 2024.

According to data from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the city reported 824 dengue cases between January 1 and June 4, down by 48.1% from 1,712 cases during the same period last year. May 2024 alone saw 782 cases, while this May reported just 299. Another 70 cases were recorded in the first four days of June.

Mahadevapura and East zones are currently the most affected, reporting 301 and 150 cases respectively. In 2024, these two zones had already recorded 861 cases by the end of May. BBMP officials attribute the spike in these areas to the concentration of ongoing construction projects, which often become mosquito breeding sites.

Dengue infections typically surge from May to August in Bengaluru. In response, 240 health inspectors and 700 volunteers have been deployed citywide. BBMP Special Commissioner (Health), Suralkar Vikas Kishor, said the situation remains under control but stressed continued public cooperation. Over 3,500 notices have been issued to construction sites, and fines totaling ₹37.9 lakh have been collected.

Meanwhile, intermittent rainfall has raised concerns of a potential spike. Dr. Ravindra Meti, District Health Officer, warned that the city must remain vigilant. Weekly larval surveys are ongoing, and over 10,000 municipal workers have been trained to eliminate breeding grounds. A BBMP-led awareness drive in schools and colleges will run through June 14.