Dengue cases surge in Karnataka ahead of monsoon, Bengaluru worst hit

Dengue: Six cases needed hospitalisation; 51 patients are kids under one year old, and 553 are below 18.

Over 1,100 Cases Reported; Children Among the Most Affected

Karnataka is witnessing a gradual rise in dengue cases even before the onset of the monsoon. From January to April 30, 2025, the state has recorded 1,186 cases, with six hospitalisations. Alarming health authorities is the fact that 51 cases involved infants under one year, and 553 cases were reported in children under 18.

Bengaluru Tops the List

Bengaluru continues to report the highest number of dengue cases, accounting for 43.2% (513 cases) of the total statewide count. All six hospitalised cases were reported from within BBMP limits, according to Ansar Ahmed, State Joint Director of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).

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Spike Linked to Early Showers and Stagnant Water

Officials point to early summer showers, ongoing construction work, and water stagnation as major contributors to mosquito breeding. Dengue cases rose sharply over the past month—from 707 cases as of March 2 to 1,186 by April 30.

With further rain forecast, health authorities are intensifying preventive measures to avoid a larger outbreak.

Comparison with Previous Years

Although the current numbers are lower than the same period in 2024, officials remain on alert. Last year, Karnataka recorded 32,826 cases, the highest in the country, followed by Tamil Nadu (27,328) and Kerala (21,075).

In terms of fatalities, 20 deaths were reported in Karnataka in 2024—the third highest nationally. Kerala topped the list with 99 deaths, followed by Maharashtra with 26. In 2023, Karnataka had 19,300 cases and 11 deaths.

Authorities on High Alert

With the summer rains likely to intensify in May, state health officials are urging the public to eliminate stagnant water sources, especially around residential areas, to reduce mosquito breeding and contain the spread of the virus.