High pollution and lack of good ventilation are making citizens susceptible to the H1N1, say doctors. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) zones in the city have among the highest incidents of H1N1 cases recorded across the State. From January this year, there have been 89 cases in Bengaluru, including five new patients being recorded on Tuesday alone.
According to data available with the civic body, the highest number of cases has been recorded in Mahadevapura zone with 28 confirmed cases of the flu. This is followed by 22 cases in East zone, 14 in South zone, 7 in Bommanahalli, 6 each in Yelahanka and West zone, and one case in Dasarahalli. This apart, localities outside BBMP limits, but in the vicinity of the city have seen 30 cases.
The triggers
Why are there higher incidences of H1N1 in the city compared to other places in the State?
As this is an airborne infection, citizens are more vulnerable to the virus due to high levels of pollution and population density, and poor ventilation in homes and offices, said Dr. H. Paramesh, Professor, Divecha Centre for Climate Change IISc. and Director of Lakeside Medical Centre.
“People living in the city are staying in buildings with poor ventilation for the most part of the day. Hence, the risk is higher,” he said.
‘Just like any other flu’
Doctors have urged citizens not to panic. The mortality rate is less than one percent when it comes to H1N1, say health professionals. “Only if there is a breathing problem, one needs to immediately consult a specialist. Otherwise, there is nothing much to worry about,” Dr. Paramesh said.
For its part, civic officials are urging citizens to maintain basic cleanliness in public spaces. “BBMP officials have taken up awareness drives,” said Kalpana, Deputy Health Officer, Mahadevapura zone.
“The officials are going to the houses of patients and talking to them and their families about the measures to be taken to contain the disease. That apart, pamphlets about the disease and its precautions are being handed out,” she said.
As for the high number of cases registered in Mahadevapura zone, Dr. Kalpana said it was because of a large number of specialty hospitals located in the zone. “It is not that there are more number of sick people here. It is just that a lot of people are getting checked into hospitals here,” she said.
13,075 cases in 10 years
As per data available with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, between 2009 and October 7, 2018, as many as 13,075 H1N1 positive cases have been recorded across the State.
