After more than 25,500 cases, Karnataka declares dengue an epidemic disease

The health department has launched a pilot project in Gandhinagar Assembly constituency, Bengaluru, to control dengue using Ovitrap baskets that attract mosquitoes.

Karnataka government has declared dengue an epidemic disease in the state due to a surge in dengue cases.

According to health department records, Karnataka has reported 25,589 dengue cases statewide, including 11,673 cases in Bengaluru till September 3.

Health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said, “All landowners, occupiers, and builders must take necessary measures to prevent mosquito breeding on their premises.”

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Penalties for non-compliance are Rs 400 for households in urban areas and Rs 200 for those in rural areas, Rs 1,000 for commercial establishments, offices, schools, colleges, and healthcare facilities in urban areas, and Rs 500 in rural areas, Rs 2,000 for active or abandoned construction sites and vacant land in urban areas, and Rs 1,000 in rural areas. An additional 50 percent of the total fine will be levied for each week of continued non-compliance after receiving a notice.

Rao said, “Authorised officials will conduct periodic inspections of lands, buildings, water tanks, parks, and playgrounds to ensure compliance. Failure to comply with mosquito prevention measures will result in penalties imposed by the competent authority. We urge everyone to adhere to these guidelines and collaborate with us to combat the spread of dengue.”

Also, read: Dengue symptoms and treatment: Follow these expert-approved do’s and don’ts for quick recovery

The State has amended regulations under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020, with the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases (Amendment Regulations), 2024, published in the official gazette last week. Under these new regulations, all owners, occupiers, builders, or anyone responsible for land, buildings, water tanks, parks, or playgrounds must implement measures to prevent mosquito breeding. This includes ensuring that water-storage containers, sumps, and overhead tanks are securely covered.

A designated authority will be appointed to enforce these regulations: the Chief Commissioner of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for its jurisdiction and the Deputy Commissioner for other districts. This authority will oversee remedial measures, conduct inspections, and impose penalties on violators.

The amended regulations allow the authority to inspect any land or building between sunrise and sunset after providing reasonable notice. Owners or occupiers must cooperate with inspections and provide necessary information. If mosquito breeding is detected, the authority can issue a notice requiring corrective action within at least 24 hours, using appropriate methods (physical, chemical, or biological).

Also, read: Symptoms of dengue fever: High fever, severe headache, muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding