An outbreak of cholera was reported in Bengaluru, Karnataka in March 2020. As of 9 March 2020, there were 17 cases of cholera in Bengaluru.[1] Reports of cholera-like cases were also being reported in large numbers in Bengaluru.
The cause of the outbreak is suspected to be a sewage leak in Bengaluru, although the exact focus is yet to be ascertained.[2][1]
Out of the 17 cases recorded, 8 are in the east zone, 7 in the south zone and 2 in the west zone.[1] As of 9 March, there are also 25 suspected cases of cholera in Bengaluru.[1] Most patients were in the age group of 20-40, belonging to the IT corridor of Bengaluru.[2]
The Bengaluru civic body evicted street food vendors and footpath sellers to ensure the city's cleanliness and to prevent the further transmission of the disease.[3] The samples of water taken from various parts of the city were sent for testing to Public Health Institute on the suspicion that sewage is being mixed with drinking water.[4] The cholera outbreak is amidst the concerns of the spread of coronavirus in Karnataka. Water supply was stopped to some of the areas where the cases were reported.[2] The Chief Health Officer of Bengaluru said that cholera help desks have been set up in urban primary health centres of the city.[5]
