The Dengue outbreaks in Bengaluru and Karnataka prompt urgent measures, including sanitation and community education, to combat the disease effectively.
In Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, dengue has become a serious concern as the city reported 80 new cases on July 7 alone. Across the state, 159 new cases were recorded on the same day, with six fatalities reported due to the disease.
Rising Cases in 2024
This year, Karnataka has been grappling with a significant dengue outbreak, tallying up to 7,000 reported cases so far. Bengaluru has been the hardest hit within the state, with 1,908 confirmed cases as of July 6.
Spread Across Districts
Various districts in Karnataka are also seeing a surge in dengue cases. Chikmagalur reported 521 cases, Mysore 496, Haveri 481, Dharwad 289, and Chitradurga 275 cases respectively.
Government Response and Directives
The Karnataka government has taken proactive steps to combat the spread of dengue. A directive was issued to all gram panchayats, urging them to implement strict protocols for managing dengue cases. This includes regular cleaning of water storage tanks, open reservoirs, and public toilets to maintain sanitation standards.
Preventive Measures
Gram panchayats have been instructed to conduct weekly sanitation checks and ensure proper drainage of rainwater to prevent mosquito breeding. Emphasis is also placed on maintaining cleanliness in residential and public areas to avoid water accumulation, which can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Community Involvement and Awareness
To enhance awareness and control measures, the government is promoting health education programmes through community involvement. To teach locals about dengue prevention and control, gram panchayats are urged to work with women's self-help groups, community health volunteers, and nearby educational institutions.
Priyank Kharge, Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, emphasized the significance of these steps in effectively halting the dengue virus's spread in rural areas. Karnataka seeks to lessen the effects of dengue and safeguard public health throughout the state by making sure that proper sanitation, drainage, and community education are in place.
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