Bengaluru has recorded its third suspected dengue-related death amidst a growing outbreak that has also triggered increased demand for papayas and kiwis believed to boost immunity.
According to the Deccan Herald, a 23-year-old resident of Viveknagar succumbed to suspected dengue fever, marking the third fatality attributed to the disease in the city. Suralkar Vikas Kishor, BBMP Special Commissioner for Health, confirmed the death and announced plans for an official audit to ascertain the cause.
Earlier, two other deaths linked to dengue were reported in Bengaluru: one in Kaggadasapura and another in Anjanapura. A recent audit confirmed that an 11-year-old from Anjanapura indeed died from dengue, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
The outbreak has seen a surge in dengue cases within BBMP limits, with 171 new cases reported last week alone, bringing the city’s total to 2,463 cases, reports The Hindu. In response, the demand for papayas and kiwis, known for their purported immunity-boosting properties against dengue, has spiked. Prices for kiwis have risen from ₹240 to ₹280 per kilogram, while papayas have seen a modest increase from ₹40 to ₹45 per kilogram.
Authorities have intensified efforts to contain the outbreak, identifying dengue hotspots where multiple cases have been reported within close proximity. This includes measures by BBMP and district officials to monitor and manage affected areas effectively.
The Karnataka government has also set up a dedicated “dengue war room” at Arogya Soudha to coordinate response efforts. With 381 new cases reported statewide in the past 24 hours, the total number of infections has risen to 8,221, highlighting the need for sustained vigilance and proactive measures.
Sources By Agencies