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Madikeri: The number of dengue fever cases in Kodagu district has seen a sharp rise this year, with 237 cases officially reported so far. Health officials anticipate that the actual number could be higher once confirmed cases from private hospitals are included. The increase in dengue cases has been largely attributed to climate change, which has also led to a rise in other illnesses such as flu, colds, and coughs.
Dr Satish Kumar, the District Health and Family Welfare Officer, told TOI, "A total of 1,486 people were tested for dengue in Madikeri, and of them, 44 cases were positive. Similarly, 86 positive cases were found in Kushalnagar out of 544 tests, 12 out of 241 tests in Somwarpet, 62 out of 547 in Ponnampet, and 33 out of 171 in Virajpet."
Mosquitoes, the primary carriers of the dengue virus, have found ideal breeding conditions in water tanks and reservoirs, particularly those not regularly cleaned. Stagnant water in open storage containers and reservoirs offers a perfect environment for the mosquitoes to thrive, contributing to the spread of the disease.
Local health workers, including Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), have been actively working to curb the spread by eliminating the breeding grounds of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the vector responsible for transmitting the virus. These mosquitoes are primarily active during the day, making them a persistent threat in areas where stagnant water is prevalent.
Why Has Karnataka Declared a Dengue Epidemic?
On September 3, Karnataka officially declared dengue fever an epidemic as the state recorded an unprecedented 25,589 cases this year. The state government has responded by amending regulations under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020, to combat the disease more effectively. The revised Karnataka Epidemic Diseases (Amendment Regulations), 2024, was recently published in the official gazette, outlining new measures to prevent mosquito breeding and penalize non-compliance.
These amendments make it mandatory for property owners, occupiers, and those in charge of any land or building, including water tanks, parks, and playgrounds, to take necessary measures to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes. This includes ensuring that water-storage containers, sumps, and overhead tanks are securely covered to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water, where mosquitoes tend to breed.
What Are the New Powers Granted to Authorities?
Under the amended regulations, a competent authority has been established to enforce these measures. The Chief Commissioner of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will oversee the enforcement in Bengaluru, while the Deputy Commissioner will handle other districts. These authorities are now empowered to take immediate remedial actions, inspect properties, and impose penalties on those who fail to comply with the new regulations.
According to the new rules, authorities have the right to inspect any land or building between sunrise and sunset, provided reasonable notice is given to the owner or occupier. The regulations state that owners must facilitate the inspection and provide any necessary information requested by the authorities. If mosquito breeding sites are discovered during an inspection, the authorities are empowered to issue a notice, requiring the owner or occupier to take remedial action within a specified period, not less than 24 hours. These actions may include physical, chemical, or biological methods to eliminate the breeding sites.
How Much Are the Fines for Non-Compliance in Karnataka’s Dengue Regulations?
The amended regulations come with a structured penalty system for those who fail to comply with the preventive measures. Households in urban areas could face fines of ₹400, while households in rural areas will be fined ₹200 for non-compliance. For commercial establishments, schools, colleges, offices, and healthcare facilities, the fines are set at ₹1,000 in urban areas and ₹500 in rural areas.
Active or abandoned construction sites and vacant lands are seen as high-risk zones for mosquito breeding, and the penalties for non-compliance at these sites are steeper. Urban construction sites and vacant lands will face fines of ₹2,000, while rural sites will incur penalties of ₹1,000. Additionally, if non-compliance continues after receiving a notice from the competent authority, an extra 50% of the fine amount will be imposed for every week of ongoing violation.
What Are the Preventive Measures to Curb Dengue?
The growing threat of dengue in Kodagu and other parts of Karnataka highlights the need for collective action. Authorities are urging citizens to maintain cleanliness in and around their homes, particularly in areas where water tends to accumulate. Simple measures like regularly cleaning water tanks, covering containers, and ensuring proper drainage can significantly reduce the breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
The health department has also ramped up efforts to raise awareness among the public about the importance of these preventive actions. ASHA workers and health officials continue to conduct door-to-door campaigns, educating households on how to prevent mosquito breeding. In addition, health camps are being organized to provide early diagnosis and treatment for dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.
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