In the last three weeks, dengue cases in Bengaluru have crossed the 1,000-mark — more than double the same period last year.
BENGALURU: Youth and senior citizens are the first victims of dengue fever in the city.
The deaths have been reported amid a surge in dengue cases that have crossed the 1,000 mark in the past two weeks, more than double from last year. BBMP has identified the victim as 24-year-old Abhilash from Kaggadaspur, while the deceased is 80-year-old Neerajadevi from Tamil Nadu. Devi was also suffering from cancer.
The civic body plans to determine the cause of death on Saturday.
"We will conduct the death audit by getting reports from the hospitals. We can give more information only after the audit," BBMP Special Commissioner (Health) Surlakar Vikas Kishore told Panchajanya.
Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced Rs 25 lakh for dengue deaths. The only way the BBMP and the government can act responsibly to prevent the spread of the virus is to pay a hefty compensation. The party has also demanded free treatment of patients in private hospitals as was arranged during the Covid pandemic.
"The BBMP has failed to control the disease. We suspect that at least 40,000 dengue cases have been reported in Bengaluru and not 1,500 cases as shared by the civic body. People are queuing up in front of hospitals," party secretary Mohan Dasari said.
While providing free treatment to dengue patients in private hospitals, some hospitals are extorting lakhs of rupees from patients.
The BBMP, which is under pressure to prevent the spread of dengue, has launched a micro plan on Friday. The civic body also observes 'dry days' to destroy water reservoirs that can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
As part of the initiative, BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath inspected some locations of New Thippsandra and GM Palya.
The civic body creates awareness among people through voice announcements and door-to-door visits