Bengaluru Faces Rat-Fever Spike Amid Sanitation Crisis

Since the beginning of 2025, over 400 cases of leptospirosis (rat fever) have been reported in Bengaluru and parts of Karnataka, with hotspots identified in Basavanagudi, Indiranagar, Malleswaram, and Rajajinagar. A booming rodent population — fueled by poor waste disposal and unregulated stray dog feeding — is blamed for the health emergency. Symptoms include high fever, headache, vomiting, and rashes. The BBMP and state health department urge urgent implementation of scientific waste management, regulated feeding zones, and public awareness campaigns. Mobile clinics are also being rolled out in affected areas to monitor and treat infected individuals early. This outbreak underscores the need for improved urban sanitation infrastructure.