India: Dengue epidemic declared in Karnataka state
The Karnataka state government in the southwestern region of India has officially declared a dengue fever epidemic under the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020.
This comes as more than 26,000 dengue cases have been reported year to date, the highest number ever recorded, about 7,000 cases than was reported in all of 2023. 12 deaths have been reported.
In 2023, Karnataka recorded 19,300 dengue cases, the highest in the last 10 years. The highest number of deaths were reported in 2019, with 17 patients succumbing to the vector-borne disease, followed by 11 in 2023.
Under the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020, the government said, "It shall be the duty of every owner, occupier, builder or other person in-charge of any land or building or any place including water tanks, parks, play-ground to take necessary measures to prevent breeding of mosquitoes therein."
A variety of fines could be levied if lapses are found during inspections.
A toll-free helpline number — 1800-425-8330 — has also been set up for people to seek information or register complaints regarding dengue-related issues.
