Kids Aged 6-16 Account for 25% of Dengue Cases in Karnataka: A Growing Concern
Dengue fever has become a major health concern in Karnataka, particularly among school-age children. Recent data from the School Education Department shows that children between 6 and 16 years old make up 25% of dengue cases in the state. The total number of people affected by dengue in Karnataka has reached 17,227, with 5,495 of these cases being school-going children. This alarming situation has prompted the government and educational authorities to take action. They are now implementing strict measures to prevent the further spread of the disease, especially in school environments.
Alarming Cases Surge in Bengaluru: A Breakdown of the Numbers
In Bengaluru alone, the number of dengue cases has surpassed 10,000 this year, with 9,992 cases reported by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and 323 cases in the Bengaluru Urban district.
Until August 15, a total of 47,062 individuals have been tested by the BBMP, leading to 25 hospitalizations and three deaths. In contrast, Bengaluru Urban has conducted 2,164 tests, resulting in nine hospitalizations and no recorded deaths. These statistics highlight the seriousness of the dengue outbreak in the city and emphasize the urgent requirement for efficient control measures.
The high number of children infected with dengue is particularly concerning, as they are among the most vulnerable individuals to the disease. Children who spend a large amount of their day in school are more likely to have dengue because they are exposed to mosquito bites while they are in school. In response, the government ordered schools to take the required safety measures to protect students from the illness. Read More- https://theaspectratio.in/health-fitness/nagpur-in-crisis-public-health-emergency-declared-as-chikungunya-and-dengue-cases-soar/
Content Highlights:
- 25% of Karnataka’s dengue cases are children aged 6-16.
- Bengaluru reports over 10,000 dengue cases this year.
- The government issues strict guidelines for schools to prevent further spread.
- BBMP initiates eco-friendly mosquito control measures.
- Schools and parents are urged to take immediate precautions to protect children.
Preventive Measures in Schools
The Department of Public Education has taken proactive steps to combat the spread of dengue among school children in Karnataka. They have issued a set of comprehensive guidelines to all schools across the state. These guidelines focus on key areas of hygiene and sanitation to reduce the risk of dengue transmission.
Here are the key points from the guidelines issued by the Department of Public Education in response to rising dengue cases among school children in Karnataka:
- Schools must maintain clean premises, provide clean drinking water, and ensure hygienic lunch plates and toilets.
- Students should wear full-sleeve uniforms and clothing that covers their legs to minimize skin exposure to mosquito bites.
- Parents are advised to apply mosquito repellent on their children’s exposed skin before sending them to school.
- Schools should conduct dengue awareness campaigns through notice boards, morning assemblies, parent-teacher meetings, and WhatsApp groups.
- Water storage containers in schools must be kept clean, covered, and emptied regularly to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Rainwater accumulation in waste containers should be prevented, and waste should be disposed of promptly.
- Schools are encouraged to collaborate with the School Development Council and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) to provide mosquito repellents to students.
- If necessary, schools should seek assistance from local panchayats or civic bodies for additional support in implementing preventive measures.
Comprehensive Efforts to Control the Spread
The BBMP is broadening its efforts to combat the spread of dengue by going beyond eco-friendly traps. The health wing of the civic body has taken a significant stride by appointing 115 inspecting officers to lead the battle against the disease. These officers have been given the task of conducting thorough house-to-house surveys to pinpoint potential mosquito breeding spots. Upon identification, they will take preventive measures to eradicate these breeding grounds. In addition, the inspecting officers are also responsible for overseeing survey teams and monitoring their work to ensure the efficacy of mosquito control efforts.
This comprehensive approach, blending targeted surveys with preventive actions, underscores the BBMP’s dedication to controlling the dengue outbreak in Bengaluru. In addition to house surveys, the BBMP has been actively fumigating parks and public spaces to reduce the mosquito population. The health cell has identified 51 hotspots in Bangalore where there are maximum cases of dengue, and it has completed the survey of close to 25 lakh houses to know more about these diseases. The BBMP will revisit these areas to assess the effectiveness of their mosquito control efforts.
The rise in dengue cases among children in Karnataka is a pressing public health concern that requires immediate and sustained action. Schools, parents, and communities must work together to implement preventive measures, raise awareness, and support ongoing mosquito control efforts. By taking proactive steps, we can protect our children and reduce the impact of dengue on our society. Know More- https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/kids-aged-6-16-account-for-25-of-dengue-cases-in-state-3153735
