Bengaluru On Alert: Surge In Severe Stomach Issues Amid Water Crisis, Cholera Cases Reported In Malleshwaram

Bengaluru is battling a rise in severe stomach ailments, including a few cases of cholera. While one confirmed case has been reported in the Malleshwaram area, samples from two other suspected cases in the same locality have been sent for testing.

Although the city's civic body has not yet declared a cholera outbreak, it has issued advisories on precautions to take, given the rise in stomach ailments. Cholera, an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection with the toxigenic bacterium Vibrio cholera, affects millions worldwide each year, with a significant number of fatalities.

Doctors in Bengaluru have noted a notable increase in patients with severe stomach ailments, including gastroenteritis, in recent weeks. Some cases have tested positive for cholera, according to reports.

Tushar Giri Nath, Chief Commissioner of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), confirmed one case of cholera in the Malleshwaram area, stating that others are under observation. The state health department is on high alert, taking preventive measures to avoid further outbreaks.

Sreehari D, a consultant medical gastroenterologist at Sparsh Hospital, Bengaluru, reported a 50% rise in cholera cases in recent days, at least 20 cases in the past few weeks. He attributed poor sanitation and contaminated water sources as primary reasons for the surge, exacerbated by overcrowded living conditions and limited access to clean water.

Dr. Brunda, a consultant in internal medicine at Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, mentioned receiving at least four to five cases of severe stomach ailments daily, noting that these could be bacterial or viral infections. She emphasized the importance of appropriate treatment based on the patient's condition, mentioning that one patient sample tested positive for cholera.