The Karnataka government has declared dengue an epidemic following a surge in cases across the state. According to data from the Health Department, Karnataka has reported 7,362 dengue cases and seven deaths from January to July this year.
Announcing the state’s action plan, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “7,362 dengue cases have been registered so far this year, and seven people have died. Each hospital must allocate 10 beds per ward for dengue cases, and free mosquito nets should be provided to residents in slum areas.”
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and has instructed all departments to continue efforts to reduce mosquito breeding sources. “We are keeping a close watch on the situation and have issued strict instructions to all departments to focus on source reduction. Asha workers and volunteers are going door-to-door, and the government is working full-time to control mosquito spread and prevent deaths,” Rao said.
Despite the rise in cases, the state government has ruled out declaring a medical emergency, noting that dengue does not spread from person to person like COVID-19. This comes after Bangalore Rural MP Dr. CN Manjunath urged the government to declare dengue a “medical emergency.”
Health Minister Rao also advised hospitals to prepare beds and assured that government hospitals are equipped to provide appropriate treatment, including intravenous fluids and platelets for dengue patients. He further clarified that there is no need for isolation wards but emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding when to seek medical attention during a fever.
Districts experiencing a spike in dengue cases include Chikkamagaluru, Mysuru, Haveri, Dharwad, and Chitradurga.