Residents of Sumadhura Sawan apartments in ITPL area are apprehensive about falling ill.
Nowadays, the sight of a single mosquito scares them. With over 10 people in their apartment having dengue-like symptoms, they say they have every reason to fear.
“When we last counted, there were 12 reported cases of dengue.
Three of them are still recovering at the hospital,” said Deepak, a resident. Nidhi Agarwal, who was admitted to hospital after she had high fever for three continuous days, said, “I was admitted to a private hospital where I underwent tests. The results said that my symptoms were dengue-like. I was in the hospital for five days. I am weak and yet to recover from illness,” she said.
The worried residents say at least one case of dengue is reported every day.
“A week ago, there were two cases. This week, the number has reached five and as of tonight there are six confirmed dengue cases in the apartment complex,” they said. The residents have contacted Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials, who visited the locality and conducted an inspection.
Mosquito larvae
“On our first visit, we found mosquito larvae in some of the water samples collected. Fogging was undertaken to reduce health risks,” said Dr Kalpana, a BBMP health official who was part of the inspection team. She said that the residents should get themselves checked at government-approved hospitals.
“All hospitals which test such patients need to submit the results to the National Institute of Virology, which will confirm whether it is a positive dengue case or not and subsequently intimate us.”She said the team had also visited a construction site nearby where there was water stagnation.
“We collected samples from there too and instructed the builder to keep the place clean,” she said.
The residents allege that the builder had not taken enough precautions to ensure a hygienic environment.
“The only step the builder has taken is fogging and that is inadequate,” a resident said.
When contacted, an official from Sumadhura Constructions said, “We have taken all necessary action. Regular fogging of places where water stagnates is being done.”