In response to the rising number of dengue cases amid the ongoing monsoon, the Karnataka government has established ‘Dengue War Rooms’ across the state.

This move, directed by the government in its July 10 circular, aims to enhance the monitoring and management of dengue cases to mitigate the impact of the disease. As of July 11, 8,221 dengue cases have been identified across Karnataka with Bengaluru (under Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike limits) leading the table with 2,463 cases. This year, so far seven deaths have been reported in Karnataka due to dengue.

What the circular says

The government directive mandates the establishment of a central war room at Arogya Soudha in Bengaluru, with parallel control rooms in all districts and at the BBMP. These war rooms will serve as pivotal hubs for data collection and situation assessment, ensuring coordinated and timely responses to the dengue crisis.

The government in its circular has outlined several critical measures:

War Room Setup: A centralized war room will be set up at Arogya Soudha for statewide monitoring, while district-level control rooms will manage local data and interventions.

Festive offer

District Task Force Formation: Each district will constitute a task force chaired by the Deputy Commissioner. The task force will include key officials from health, urban development, education, and NGO sectors, ensuring a multi-faceted approach to dengue control.

Bi-weekly House Inspections: Health staff, supplemented by volunteers, will conduct bi-weekly inspections to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Urban Local Bodies will engage volunteers for this task, compensating them at Rs 200 per day.

Community Engagement Campaigns: Public campaigns promoting cleanliness and dengue prevention will be conducted weekly, involving local representatives and community members. These initiatives aim to motivate the public to maintain hygienic surroundings and properly manage water storage.

Hotspot Identification and Response: Districts are required to identify dengue hotspots and intensify source reduction activities, including mass spraying of larvicides and fogging. Fever clinics will be activated, and mosquito repellent oils will be distributed in these areas.

Healthcare Preparedness: Hospitals are instructed to reserve beds for dengue patients and ensure the availability of testing kits, essential drugs, and blood components. Free testing and treatment will be provided across all healthcare facilities.

Strict Treatment Protocols: Medical officers are to adhere to the treatment protocols specified in the Government of India’s 2023 guidelines. The utilization of Tele ICU facilities is encouraged for monitoring severe cases.

Notice to 22 hospitals for overcharging

Days after the Karnataka government capped the dengue testing rates in private hospitals and labs, many cases of overcharging were reported, prompting nodal officers of the health and family welfare department to conduct surprise visits to 31 private hospitals and testing centers in Bengaluru.

During the visits, it was found that 22 hospitals/labs charged more than the rate fixed by the government and notices were issued to the labs under the Karnataka Infectious Diseases Act and KPME Act. As per the government order, the dengue ELISA NS1 and IgM testing rate has been capped at Rs 300 and the screening test, including Rapid card test for NS1, IgM and IgG, has been capped at Rs 200.

Hospitals/labs that were served notices include Prime Diagnostics and Aster Clinic in Yelahanka, Trust in Hospital and Medall Clumax diagnostics at Horamavu main road, Criya Hospital in JP Nagar, Spring Life Health Care and E-City Hospitals at Electronic City, Altius Hospital at Nagawara main road and others.