Bengaluru: This year the city hospitals have been witnessing a steep rise in dengue cases among children and doctors have exhorted parents to be more vigilant.

In July itself the government-run Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (IGICH) witnessed some 453 suspected dengue cases and 11 deaths because of the disease.

“Every day we witness some 15-20 dengue cases at the hospital, where many cases require admissions," said Dr Asha Benkappa, who claimed the hospital was currently experiencing a dengue deluge.

The virus is being transmitted by several species of mosquito within the genus Aedes, principally Aaegypti.

Dr Geetha Shivamurthy, Medical Superintendent, Vanivilas Hospital, said, "We are witnessing some 5-10 dengue cases every day on an OPD basis and there has been a spike in such cases."

Dr Shrinivasa, Professor and HoD of the paediatric unit at KIMS said, "In our hospital, there have been a lot of hospitalisations of dengue cases. Daily we are witnessing some

15-20 admissions. Overall some 70-80 dengue cases are being treated by the hospital, including follow-ups."

Dr Shrinivasa said mild rains are the biggest reason for fresh water collection and exhorted parents to be extra cautious as this season dengue is quite rampant among children.

Dr S.M. Prasad, professor of paediatrics, Ambedkar Medical College and president of Bangalore Adolescent Health Academy called for awareness among the general public about dengue to curb the numbers.

"Individuals, families, and communities are involved in the planning and conduct of local vector control activities. The Government cannot employ enough people to search every backyard to identify and

destroy breeding sites on a consistent basis to prevent breeding of mosquito,” he added. "In rare cases, dengue fever can lead to a more serious form of the disease called dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), which can be life threatening," Dr Asha said.

The children’s hospitals across the city are witnessing a spurt in dengue cases
Dengue virus gets transmitted by several species of mosquito within the genus Aedes
These mosquitoes breed in fresh water. The recent rains have led to accumulation of fresh water at various places
In addition to government agencies, Individuals, families, and communities should be involved in the planning and conduct of local vector control activities
In rare cases, dengue can lead to a more serious form of the disease called dengue hemorrhagic fever, which