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Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
41 snakebite cases in Bengaluru this year due to rain, urbanisation
Bengaluru: Karnataka recorded over 36 snakebite-related deaths in the past five months, twice the number reported (18) during the same period last year, according to Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) under the health and family welfare department. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Officials say this may not only reflect a real rise in incidents, but also a rise in reporting and tracking. So far this year, the state reported over 4,786 snakebite cases — a 46 per cent increase compared to 3,268 cases recorded by May 2024. Health department officials link this to a mix of factors: Ongoing rain, changing weather patterns and increasing interaction between people and wildlife. Bengaluru reported 41 cases; Shivamogga (289) recorded the most cases so far this year, followed closely by Mandya (256), Hassan and Dakshina Kannada. The highest number of deaths were reported from Chamarajanagar (5); Dharwad and Udupi saw three deaths each. A health official from Shivamogga said, "This region has a significant forest cover, and many communities here depend on forest-based livelihoods. Naturally, this brings them into closer proximity with snakes, which explains the relatively high number of snakebite cases. Our main concern is ensuring people seek timely medical help and not rely on traditional healing practices or rituals, which are still prevalent in some pockets. Awareness is growing, and our ability to report and respond to these cases is steadily improving." Ansar Ahmed, project director at IHIP, said seasonal variations are significantly contributing to the trend. "Snakes are more active during rainy season and tend to come out of their habitats in search of drier ground or prey, which increases the likelihood of encounters with humans. However, it's not just environmental factors. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Our surveillance systems are becoming more robust and we're now able to review and analyse case data with greater accuracy and depth. " A senior official in the health department said urbanisation is also contributing to the problem. "As more infrastructural changes occur near forests, lakes and fields, snakes are losing their homes. They are increasingly found in drains, small water bodies and even inside homes, while searching for prey. During heavy rain, water enters these spaces and pushes snakes into the open.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Dengue cases rise in Karnataka ahead of monsoon, with Bengaluru worst-hit
Bengaluru: Dengue cases are climbing steadily across Karnataka even before the onset of monsoon, raising concerns among health officials about an early and intense outbreak. Between Jan and April 30, the state recorded 1,186 cases, with six requiring hospitalisation. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Bengaluru has emerged as the hotspot, reporting nearly half the cases (522), followed by Tumakuru (78). According to health department data, in just one month, dengue cases jumped from 707 (as of the week ending March 2) to 1,186 by the end of April — a 65% jump even before peak transmission season begins. Fifty-one of the cases were children aged under one, and 553 aged under 18. Even though the number of dengue cases this year is lower than that during the corresponding period last year (Jan to April 30), health officials remain concerned. Ansar Ahmed, project director of Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, confirmed that all six dengue hospitalisations so far were from areas under BBMP limits. Highlighting the risks, he urged citizens to eliminate stagnant water around their homes. "The current weather conditions not only favour mosquito breeding but also support the spread of various viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. The department is ramping up both awareness drives and preventive actions. However, people need to stay alert," he said. Dr Neha Mishra, consultant (infectious diseases), Manipal Hospitals, told TOI two dengue cases are reported daily. "Usually, we do see a slight rise in cases whenever it rains. But if this on-and-off rain continues, there's always a chance of a surge, especially with dengue season around the corner. More waterlogging means more mosquito-breeding sites, even something as small as water collected in a discarded bottle can become a breeding ground. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Being a greener city, Bengaluru is more prone to puddles, which naturally leads to more mosquitoes and, in turn, more cases." Chikungunya also sees rise Karnataka has reported over 280 chikungunya cases since Jan 1, prompting health authorities to step up preventive efforts. Ansar Ahmed, project director of Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, said the state is moving swiftly to contain the spread. "We've ramped up monitoring and are optimistic that proactive measures will help control the situation," he said. While chikungunya is generally less fatal than dengue, it often causes prolonged joint pain and fatigue, making recovery more difficult for many patients. A senior health department official told TOI: "With each new case, we're tightening our response. We're bracing for a potential surge in the coming months and want to keep the numbers in check. Last year saw a steady rise in cases, and we're determined not to let that happen again."
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Snakebite deaths surge from 10 to 21 in first 4 months of year in Karnataka
Bengaluru: According to the health department, over 3,300 snakebite cases and 21 deaths were reported in Karnataka this year till April 28, up from 1,800 and 10, respectively, in the corresponding period last year. On Monday, the department issued a govt order outlining a broad strategy to reduce deaths and disabilities due to snakebites. The programme focuses on early diagnosis, ensuring availability of quality anti-snake venom (ASV), strengthening healthcare provider skills, and running community education campaigns. It emphasises rapid response, with treatment ideally beginning within the post-bite 'golden hour'. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Even as the govt expands its efforts, serious challenges remain. Reporting is still inconsistent, with several medical colleges and private hospitals either failing to report all cases or delaying data submission. A significant proportion of victims also continue to seek help from traditional healers instead of medical facilities. An audit highlighted in the govt order revealed that about 40% of snakebite deaths were linked to such delays. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like It's Hard To Believe But Every Guy Had A Crush On Her In The 90s Boite A Scoop Undo So far this year, Shivamogga tops the chart with 214 reported snakebite cases, followed by Dakshina Kannada (196) and Mandya (175). Bengaluru has reported 123 cases so far. Chamarajanagar, Dharwad, and Udupi districts have reported the highest number of deaths, with three each. In 2024, there were 13,235 snakebite cases and 100 deaths. Dr Ansar Ahmed, project director at the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, said the state has strengthened its response to snakebites in recent months. "ASV stocks have been bolstered and made readily available, from primary health centres to district hospitals," he explained. "Standard procedures are now in place mandating an initial loading dose of 10 vials of ASV for any snakebite case with signs of envenomation. We've also conducted specialised training for physicians and medical officers at different levels." Gaps in system Ahmed, however, acknowledged that the system is still grappling with gaps. "While awareness has led to more cases being reported, there remains a significant gap between the number of snakebites that occur and those officially recorded. Such medical issues may be prevented with prompt availability of ASV, timely transportation and referral of patients. With focus on education and awareness among people, we hope to manage the situation and better it," he said. "Deaths are 100% preventable, and the department is working hard to bring the cases down," said Harsh Gupta, principal secretary, health and family welfare. "We now plan to look into each death individually to find solutions to curb the numbers. Community awareness must be created through information, education, and communication activities involving other departments as well. The commissioner has also requested that a district-level mechanism be established to strengthen local response." To ensure close monitoring of fatalities, the govt has expanded the role of existing H1N1 death audit committees at the district level and tasked them with auditing snakebite deaths.
The Hindu
28-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
All snakebite deaths in Karnataka will now be audited at district level
With a steady rise in the number of snakebite cases and deaths, the State Health Department will now audit all snakebite deaths. The H1N1 death audit committee in the districts has now been assigned with the responsibility of auditing deaths from snakebites, according to a recent government order (GO). Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by the bite of a venomous snake, which are usually accidental in nature. The State reported 3,392 cases and 20 deaths this year as of April 28. The number of recorded snakebite envenoming cases and deaths in Karnataka have seen a sharp rise from 6,596 bite cases and 19 deaths in 2023 to 13,235 cases and 101 deaths in 2024. This follows Karnataka declaring snakebite envenoming cases and deaths notifiable under the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020 from February 2024. What the GO says? According to the GO, all the Deputy Commissioners have been authorised to review the audit of deaths from snakebites by the H1N1 committee in their jurisdiction. The Deputy Commissioners have also been directed to conduct a review of the implementation of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NPSE) in their jurisdictional district at least once in every quarter. They have also been directed to take necessary measures to correct the challenges noticed in the implementation of NPSE, stated the GO. Ansar Ahmed, State Project Director, Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP), said after the snakebite envenoming cases and deaths were declared notifiable, measures were initiated to reduce the morbidity and mortality due to snakebites. 'While anti-snake venom (ASV) is made available in sufficient stocks in all facilities (starting from primary health centres to district hospitals), standard operating procedures (SOPs) to administer initial loading dose of 10 vials for all snakebite cases with signs and symptoms of snakebite envenomation have been issued. Besides, physicians and medical officers were trained at different levels for managing snakebite cases,' he said. Challenges However, despite all measures, the State is facing some challenges in the implementation of the programme. 'Reporting of cases and deaths is not 100% as some of the medical colleges and private hospitals are not reporting all cases or there is delay in reporting. Besides, bite victims still seek treatment from traditional faith healers leading to loss of precious time, which is the main cause of death as per death analysis,' Dr. Ahmed said. While medical officers in the periphery must be continuously trained, community awareness must be created through Information, Education and Communication (IEC) involving other departments, the official pointed out. Following this, there was a need to set up a district-level mechanism for better monitoring of all snakebite deaths, he added. Year-wise snakebite cases, deaths 2022: 3,439 cases; 17 deaths 2023: 6,596 bite cases; 19 deaths 2024: 13,235 cases; 101 deaths 2025 (till April 28): 3,392 cases; 20 deaths //////////////////////////////////////////
The Hindu
26-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Measles: Incidence on the decline in Karnataka, but pockets in BBMP and Ballari record higher number of cases
Although the incidence of measles, a highly contagious viral infection, is on a decline in Karnataka, several pockets in Ballari and BBMP have been consistently reporting higher number of cases since 2024. According to data from the State Health Department, the number of laboratory confirmed, clinically compatible and epi-linked measles cases reduced from 4,001 in 2023 to 1,115 in 2024. This year as of April 22, the State recorded 292 cases. Likewise, the number of rubella cases have also reduced from 237 in 2023 to 166 in 2024. This year (till April 22), the State has recorded 92 rubella cases. In 2024, Ballari and BBMP recorded 243 and 103 measles cases respectively, the highest in the State. This year till April 22, these two districts recorded 91 and 25 cases respectively. While the highest number of rubella cases in 2024 have been reported in BBMP areas at 23, this year (till April 22) Yadgir has seen the highest at 15. Outbreaks The number of laboratory confirmed measles outbreaks decreased from 30 in 2023 to six in 2024 and three this year so far. An outbreak is defined as five or more cases, or any death, confirmed from a small geographical area over four weeks. The State has not seen any rubella outbreak since 2023, said Ansar Ahmed, State Project Director, Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP). Measles and Rubella are highly infectious viral diseases that can lead to serious illnesses, lifelong complications, and even death. Due to their high infection rate, India has set a goal to eliminate these diseases by 2026. National campaign Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Thursday (April24, 2025) launched the National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination campaign 2025-26, marking a significant step towards India's goal of eliminating measles and rubella by 2026. In Karnataka, this year (January to April 22), three districts - Dakshina Kannada, Davangere and Kodagu - have reported zero measles cases and eight districts including Bagalkot, Belagavi, Bengaluru Urban, Kodagu and Koppal have recorded zero rubella cases, according to data. Dr Ahmed said any person who is unvaccinated is susceptible. Children under five, pregnant women and persons with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe complications, he said. MR vaccine Under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), two doses of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine are provided free of cost to all eligible children, at 9-12 months and 16-24 months of age, respectively. Currently, India's MR vaccination coverage stands at 93.7% for the first dose (2024-25 HMIS data) and 92.2% for the second dose. Karnataka's MR vaccination coverage is 96% for the first dose (2024-2025 HMIS data) and 93% for the second dose. The vaccination coverage is the lowest in BBMP at 83% for the first dose and 81% for the second dose. High-level committee Attributing the high incidence of measles in BBMP to the low immunisation coverage, Harsh Gupta, Principal Secretary (Health), said the health monitoring structure in BBMP is weak due to various reasons. 'We have seen that BBMP reported the highest number of dengue cases last year,' he said. 'While primary health facilities in core BBMP areas are run and managed by the civic body, those in the new wards are managed with grants from the zilla panchayats and the Health Department. Apart from lack of coordination, the number of ASHAs and ANMs available are not proportionate to the population here. We are setting up a high-level committee to discuss the feasibility of either taking over BBMP-run facilities or handing over all the centres to BBMP. This will be sorted out in about two months and we will place a proposal before the cabinet,' Mr Gupta added.
