BENGALURU, INDIA — May 20, 2025
Bengaluru, India’s tech capital, is facing a fresh public health emergency in the wake of relentless rains that have drenched the city for weeks. As floodwaters slowly recede, a silent storm is brewing within hospitals — a dramatic surge in respiratory illnesses and flu-like infections that has medical professionals scrambling to contain what they fear could escalate into a larger outbreak.
From the corridors of government hospitals to private clinics in upscale neighborhoods, the scene is eerily similar: patients with persistent coughs, high fevers, wheezing, and viral symptoms wait in growing numbers, many with young children or elderly parents in tow.
Dr. Anjali Murthy, a pulmonologist at Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, sounded the alarm:
"We are seeing nearly double the usual number of respiratory cases daily. Many patients are arriving with post-viral bronchitis, pneumonia, and exacerbation of asthma. The situation is tense, and we are preparing for worse if preventive measures aren't quickly implemented."
City Choked by Dual Crises
Bengaluru, known for its mild climate and green spaces, has recently experienced one of its heaviest monsoon spells in over a decade. The rains, while offering relief from heat, turned many parts of the city into lakes. Low-lying areas in Koramangala, HSR Layout, and Whitefield were submerged for days, with roads rendered impassable and power cuts becoming routine.
The civic woes — including stagnant water, uncollected garbage, and overwhelmed drainage systems — have created the perfect breeding ground for waterborne and airborne pathogens.
Environmental activist and JP Nagar resident, Raghav Reddy, expressed concern:
"Our neighborhood hasn’t seen fogging or sanitation measures in over a week. Waterlogging is not just an infrastructure issue anymore; it's becoming a public health nightmare."
Hospitals Under Pressure
At Victoria Hospital, emergency rooms are filled beyond capacity. The outpatient department has seen a 40% rise in patients reporting flu symptoms, hospital administrators confirmed. Several private hospitals, including Manipal and Fortis, reported activating special respiratory wards to handle the surge.
Children and the elderly appear most vulnerable. Pediatricians have seen a rise in RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) infections, with some schools in the city issuing precautionary advisories or switching back to hybrid learning models temporarily.
"We’ve had to convert recovery rooms into respiratory observation zones," said Dr. Sameer Kulkarni, Chief Medical Officer at a South Bengaluru clinic. "The spike in bronchitis and seasonal flu is not just seasonal; it's post-monsoon chaos amplified."
What’s Causing the Surge?
Doctors point to a combination of factors:
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Humidity and Pollution: Prolonged dampness due to the rains allows mold and airborne pollutants to thrive, triggering allergies and asthma.
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Stagnant Water: Ideal for mosquito and bacterial growth, raising the risk of dengue, leptospirosis, and other infections.
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Temperature Swings: Sudden shifts between hot, humid days and cool nights weaken immune responses.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continued intermittent showers through the next week, raising concerns that the health crisis could deepen before things improve.
Public Health Response — Too Little, Too Late?
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the city’s civic body, has been criticized for its sluggish response. Although officials have now begun intensified fogging and sanitation drives, critics argue that proactive health measures should have begun weeks ago when waterlogging was first reported.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao addressed the media on Tuesday, stating,
"We are deploying mobile health units, increasing vaccine stockpiles, and coordinating with private hospitals to ensure adequate care. Citizens must avoid self-medication and report symptoms early."
However, with beds filling fast and diagnostic labs overwhelmed, public trust in the administration’s preparedness remains low.
The Road Ahead — Precaution Over Panic
Medical experts are urging citizens to follow preventive measures including:
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Wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areas
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Avoiding exposure to floodwater
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Keeping homes dry and sanitized
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Seeking immediate medical attention for persistent symptoms
Schools, housing societies, and IT companies are being advised to resume COVID-era hygiene protocols such as hand sanitizers, remote work options, and temperature checks.
Meanwhile, pharmacies across the city are witnessing a spike in sales of cough syrups, nebulizers, and paracetamol, echoing scenes from the early days of the pandemic — though health officials stress this is not a COVID resurgence.
A City at a Crossroads
Bengaluru, a city that’s no stranger to monsoon disruptions, finds itself once again battling nature — this time, not in overflowing streets, but in wheezing lungs and feverish bodies.
As the skies clear, the focus must shift from draining roads to fortifying the city's healthcare systems. For now, vigilance, civic cooperation, and timely intervention remain the strongest shields against a crisis that’s already at Bengaluru’s doorstep.
For more updates on Bengaluru’s monsoon and health alerts, stay tuned to our breaking news section.