NEWS – Karnataka Declares Dengue Fever as an Epidemic Disease

HIGHLIGHTS

Public Responsibilities

• Who is Responsible?
  • Owners, occupiers, builders, and managers of land, buildings, water tanks, parks, playgrounds, etc.
• Preventive Measures:
  • Cover water storage containers and tanks
  • Properly dispose of solid waste
  • Prevent water collection in unused tanks, pits, burrows, or construction sites

Enforcement Authorities

• Competent Authorities:
  • BBMP Chief Commissioner: Responsible in Bengaluru
  • Deputy Commissioners: Responsible in districts outside BBMP jurisdiction
• Authority Powers:
  • Inspect properties for mosquito breeding sites
  • Issue notices to destroy breeding sites
  • Impose penalties for non-compliance

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Urban Areas:
  • Fine: Rs 400
  • For commercial establishments, construction sites, etc.: Rs 1,000
• Rural Areas:
  • Fine: Rs 200
  • For commercial establishments, construction sites, etc.: Rs 500
• Penalty for Continued Non-Compliance:
  • Additional 50% of the specified penalty for each week of continued non-compliance

Current Dengue Situation

• Total Cases: 25,589 (as of September 3, 2024)
• Deaths: 12
• Active Cases: 1,561

What is an Epidemic?

• Definition: Rapid spread of disease above the general baseline level within a specific population or region
• Difference from Pandemic: Epidemics are usually localized, while pandemics spread across multiple countries or continents

Purpose of the Amendments

• Goal: Reduce mosquito population and limit the spread of Dengue fever across Karnataka.
• Focus: Both urban and rural areas, ensuring comprehensive coverage.