Dengue Outbreak in Karnataka: A Critical Situation for Competitive Exam Preparation

Historical Context: Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection, has been a recurring public health challenge in India. The disease is transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, which thrive in tropical and subtropical climates. Historically, dengue outbreaks have been reported in various parts of India, with significant surges during the monsoon season due to increased mosquito breeding. The current situation in Karnataka is a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against this disease.

Current Situation: Karnataka is experiencing a significant surge in dengue cases, with Hassan and Mysuru districts being the most affected. Health officials have reported a severe outbreak in Hassan, particularly impacting children. Over the past week, two girls under the age of 15 have succumbed to dengue in Hassan. The Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) is overwhelmed, treating 21 children for dengue, including 7 in intensive care. Due to limited facilities in taluk hospitals, many patients are being referred to the district hospital.

Dr. Santosh, Director of HIMS, and Dr. Praveen, Resident Medical Officer, have outlined stringent measures to control the outbreak. MP Shreyas Patel has convened a meeting with health officials to strategize further actions. Dr. Manuprakash, a child specialist at HIMS, reported that eight children remain critically ill due to dengue.

Since January, HIMS has treated 628 adults and 602 children for dengue. The epidemic has claimed four lives in Hassan, with the State dengue death audit committee confirming two fatalities. Over 6,400 people have been tested for dengue in the district. Dr. Praveen emphasized the hospital’s dedicated ICU and wards for dengue patients to prevent further fatalities.

In Mysuru district, the outbreak has claimed its first victim, 35-year-old Nagendra, a community health officer from Hunsur taluk. Mysuru currently reports 479 active dengue cases. Proactive measures, such as weekly “Dengue Dry Day” initiatives, are being implemented to curb mosquito breeding. Health officials and Asha workers are intensifying awareness campaigns, urging residents to eliminate stagnant water around their homes.

District Health and Family Welfare Officer Kumaraswamy highlighted the urgency of the situation, confirming Nagendra’s death as a critical reminder of the ongoing dengue threat in Mysuru district.

In response to the sharp rise in dengue cases across Karnataka, the state government has imposed price caps on diagnostic tests for the disease. Private hospitals and diagnostic laboratories are now mandated to charge no more than ₹300 for each Dengue Elisa NS1 antigen and Dengue Elisa IgM antibody test. The cost of a rapid card screening test, which includes NS1, IgM, and IgG antibodies, has been capped at ₹250. Previously, these tests ranged from ₹750 to ₹1,500, making the new price caps a significant relief for patients.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced the forthcoming issuance of a notification to enforce these price controls following a coordination meeting with officials from the BBMP, Health, and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) departments.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Historical Context: Dengue fever is a recurring public health issue in India, particularly during the monsoon season.
• Current Outbreak: Karnataka is facing a severe dengue outbreak, with Hassan and Mysuru districts being the most affected.
• Hassan District:
  • Two girls under 15 have died from dengue.
  • HIMS is treating 21 children, with 7 in intensive care.
  • Over 6,400 people tested; 628 adults and 602 children treated since January.
  • Four deaths reported, with two confirmed by the State dengue death audit committee.
• Mysuru District:
  • First dengue death reported: 35-year-old Nagendra, a community health officer.
  • 479 active dengue cases.
  • Weekly “Dengue Dry Day” initiatives and awareness campaigns are in place.
• Government Response:
  • Price caps on diagnostic tests: ₹300 for Dengue Elisa NS1 antigen and Dengue Elisa IgM antibody tests, ₹250 for rapid card screening tests.
  • Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced the enforcement of these price controls.

This comprehensive overview provides essential information for students preparing for competitive exams, highlighting the historical context, current situation, and government response to the dengue outbreak in Karnataka.