Karnataka Grapples with High Burden of Water-Borne Illnesses Over Five Years
Bengaluru: Over the past five years, Karnataka has consistently reported alarmingly high numbers of acute diarrhoeal disease (ADD) and typhoid cases, positioning the state as a significant hotspot for these major water-borne illnesses. According to data analyzed by the Union health ministry for the period 2021-2025, Karnataka ranks third nationally in typhoid cases and fifth in ADD cases, highlighting a persistent public health challenge.
Sharp Fluctuations in Case Numbers Reveal Ongoing Crisis
In 2021, the state documented 3.3 lakh ADD cases and 3,021 typhoid cases. However, 2022 saw a dramatic shift: ADD cases plummeted by 61.1% to 1.3 lakh, while typhoid cases surged by a staggering 867.4% to 29,232. Subsequent years showed a general upward trend, with 2025 recording 1.8 lakh ADD cases and 39,348 typhoid cases, underscoring the volatile and concerning nature of these outbreaks.
Additionally, leptospirosis, commonly known as rat fever, remained elevated, with 8,697 cases reported over the five-year span, averaging approximately 1,739 cases annually. This further compounds the state's disease burden, pointing to broader environmental and sanitation issues.
Urban Areas Emerge as New Epicenters of Disease
Doctors in Bengaluru have observed that the city's clinical trends closely mirror the state data, with ADD and typhoid becoming persistent concerns in recent years. They emphasize that water-borne illnesses are no longer confined to rural regions but are increasingly driven by rapid urban expansion and population growth, which strain water supply and sanitation systems.
Dr. Khazi Javeed Irfan, a senior consultant in internal medicine at Sparsh Hospital on Infantry Road, noted, "Contrary to popular belief that rural populations are the main victims of water-borne diseases, we are witnessing a considerable disease burden in the urban populace over the years—particularly in congested localities, apartment complexes dependent on tanker water, and construction zones. Rural cases remain common, but urban areas are now outnumbering them."
Clinicians report seeing 6-10 patients daily with symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting, with spikes occurring during monsoon and summer months. Most affected individuals are children or senior citizens, highlighting vulnerabilities within these demographics.
Root Causes: Contaminated Water and Structural Failures
Dr. Mahesh Kumar JM, an internal medicine specialist at KIMS Hospitals, pointed out that nearly 50% of patients claim they consumed no outside food, suggesting that home water sources are likely contaminated. He identified deeper structural issues in Bengaluru's water ecosystem, including ageing pipelines that run close to sewage lines, reliance on tanker supplies, unregulated packaged drinking-water cans, and shrinking or polluted water bodies amid urban growth.
"Many lakes in Bengaluru are encroached upon, and the remaining ones are polluted with sewage and industrial waste. Yet tanker water is often drawn from these sources," he explained, adding that particulate levels in commonly consumed water frequently exceed safe standards.
Typhoid and Diarrhoea: Persistent Threats in Clinical Practice
Dr. TR Hemkumar, a consultant in internal medicine at Kauvery Hospitals in Marathahalli, stated that typhoid remains one of the most frequently seen water-borne diseases in his practice. "Though people may not always associate typhoid with contaminated water, it is actually a very common water-borne disease. This is followed by diarrhoeal illnesses caused by bacterial as well as viral infections," he elaborated.
He further noted that unsafe water and uncooked outside food, such as salads, are primary infection sources. "Well-cooked food eaten outside is unlikely to cause infection. The real risk comes from uncooked items," he advised.
Preventive Measures: Boiling Water is Essential
Doctors strongly emphasized that household contamination can occur even with RO filtration if the incoming water carries a heavy microbial load. They strictly recommend boiling drinking water before consumption or cooking, regardless of filtration methods, to prevent prolonged or severe illness. This simple yet crucial step is vital for safeguarding public health in the face of ongoing infrastructure challenges.
The data and expert insights collectively paint a troubling picture of Karnataka's struggle with water-borne diseases, driven by urban pressures and systemic failures, necessitating urgent attention and action.
