Current dengue surge not the worst Karnataka has seen, highest cases in last 10 years was in 2023

At its meeting on July 7, the State’s COVID-19 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) —  that was also entrusted with the task of advising on communicable and other infectious diseases, including dengue — discussed if the present dengue surge is a medical emergency.

While there is much alarm over the rise in dengue cases in Karnataka, a look at data from the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) under the Directorate General of Health Services of the Union Government shows that this is not the worst surge Karnataka has seen.

In 2023, Karnataka had recorded 19,300 dengue cases, the highest in the last 10 years. The highest number of deaths were reported in 2019 with 17 patients succumbing to the vector-borne disease, followed by 11 in 2023. Other than that, the number of dengue deaths has remained below 10 since 2014. This year so far, 8,221 cases and seven deaths have been reported.

Mohammed Sharief, State Programme Officer, NVBDCP,  said Karnataka has been following a pattern of spiking every alternate year. “The transmission of dengue is governed by various ecological factors. Unplanned developmental activities, improper water storage, migration and improper solid waste management also play a crucial role. Dengue-causing aedes aegypti mosquitoes breed in fresh water and bite during the day,” he said.

“While there is a demand that Karnataka should declare this year’s dengue outbreak as a medical emergency, there is no reason for alarm as dengue outbreaks are common during this part of the year. The surge usually lasts for over two months. The number of cases should start decreasing by mid-August,” Dr Sharief said.

At its meeting on July 7, the State’s COVID-19 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) —  that was also entrusted with the task of advising on communicable and other infectious diseases, including dengue — discussed if the present dengue surge is a medical emergency.

A TAC member said, “We concluded that the rise in the number of dengue cases is under control, and there are not many admissions in hospitals. Besides, the infrastructure, the testing kits and availability of drugs is adequate. Hence, there is no need to declare a medical emergency.”

Experts that The Hindu spoke to concurred.