Dengue epidemic in Karnataka: As the cases of dengue continue to rise, the Karnataka government has officially declared Dengue fever, including its severe forms, as an Epidemic Disease under the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020.
Moreover, the state government has also amended the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Regulations, 2020, to enhance measures to combat the spread of dengue.
“In exercise of the power conferred by section 3 of The Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020 (Karnataka Act 26 of 2020), the Government of Karnataka has hereby notified Dengue fever, including severe forms of Dengue fever, as an Epidemic Disease in the State of Karnataka,” the government said in its notification.
Here’s how this government regulation on dengue epidemic will affect you:
- It is the responsibility of all owners, occupiers, builders, and persons in charge of land, buildings, water tanks, parks, and playgrounds to take necessary measures to prevent mosquito breeding.
- The regulations are aimed at reducing the mosquito population and limiting the spread of Dengue fever in both urban and rural areas of the state.
- To enforce these regulations, officials have been empowered to levy penalties on individuals or entities that fail to comply with the measures outlined to prevent mosquito breeding.
- For mosquito breeding found in urban areas, a fine of Rs 400 will be imposed, while in rural areas, the fine will be Rs 200.
- For commercial establishments, offices, schools, colleges, residential facilities, healthcare facilities, and restaurants, the penalty is set at Rs 1,000 in urban areas and Rs 500 in rural areas.
- For active construction sites, abandoned areas, and vacant sites, the fine will be Rs 1,000 for both urban and rural areas.
What is the status of dengue in Karnataka?
Dengue has wreaked havoc in Karnataka as the cases continue to spike. The state has seen a surge in dengue cases with the number for this year crossing 24,500, which is nearly 5,000 more than the total number of cases reported for all of 2023. The fatalities have not been very high so far.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Karnataka government said it has notified dengue fever, including severe forms of dengue fever, as an epidemic disease in the state under the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020.
What are the symptoms of dengue?
The symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. Cases of dengue usually spike in the monsoon season.