As humidity dips to winter levels, Bengaluru sees spike in infections

BENGALURU: Plummeting humidity in Bengaluru—something that’s usually seen during winter—has given rise to various infections . The low moisture level in the air and high temperature have brought down humidity to 19.7-31.6%.


Decline in relative humidity, which is the measure of moisture in the air, leads to dryness of skin, nosebleed and infections.

“Low humidity can cause dryness in atmosphere, leading to dust allergy and allergic reactions. Those prone to asthma must be cautious,” said Dr Jyothsna Krishnappa, internal medicine, Apollo Hospitals.

Dr SM Prasad, paediatrician and vice-president, Indian Academy of Paediatrics, Bengaluru, said nosebleed cases have been reported among children in the age group of 3-16.

“Humidity of 20-23% is usually seen in winter. But now, we’re witnessing this in summer itself. Dry climate and low humidity can cause nosebleed. Dryness in nose and dry mucosa can be reduced using humidifiers at home,” he said.

Along with food and water-borne infections, heat strokes, cough and allergy complaints, city hospitals are witnessing dengue cases too.

“Dengue cases are on the rise, but not very serious. Self-limiting fevers with low platelet count variations are seen. Patients can be treated as out-patients in such cases,” said Dr Ambanna Gowda, general physician, Fortis Hospital.

Rain unlikely in 10 days

The city may get its first spell of rain, only if relative humidity rises to 80-90%, which is unlikely in the next 10 days.

“On Monday, humidity at Bengaluru international airport was 18%, which is very low. The work on the runway could be a reason and we’ve suggested water spraying at the site to avoid dust. Afforestation in general and high temperature have impacted low humidity,” said IMD officials.

Srinivas Reddy, director, Karnataka State Disaster Monitoring Centre, said pre-monsoon showers were to begin from March. “Winds from the neighbouring states are not bringing moisture and there is clear sky. Karnataka will receive rain if humidity increases to 80-90%,” he added.

WEATHER FACTS

District

RH range in percentage (March 18)

Bagalkot

10-25.7

Ballari

12.6-35.3

Belagavi

10.3-42.5

Bengaluru Rural

15.1-25.5

Bengaluru Urban

19.7-31.6

Bidar

10-32.3

Source: Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre

41% of state’s dengue cases are from B’luru

Around 41% of the 356 cases of dengue reported in Karnataka since January 1, 2019, were from Bengaluru. The city saw 148 cases this year. This is even before the state receiving pre-monsoon showers, which usually lead to fresh-water puddles that are potential sources of larvae breeding.

Water scarcity pushing many city-dwellers to store water in open containers and this could be a reason for dengue cases. The situation may worsen as summer intensifies, doctors said.

“Dengue was under control last year due to preventive measures and surveillance activities. In summer, people would store water in open vessels. Fresh water kept open is a potential mosquito-breeding spot. Larvae breed on water collected in coconut shells discarded recklessly. Water stored in air coolers must be changed often,” said experts.

SUMMER LESSONS

· Keep yourself hydrated

· Be careful while eating outside food, especially raw or semi-cooked items

· Buy whole fruits and eat at home than consuming cut fruits from outside

· Avoid fresh juices unless assured of hygiene

· Use mosquito nets

· Change water stored in air coolers on time