Dengue fever has been on a constant rise in Bengaluru and other parts of the state. As per the latest reports, Karnataka has recorded 25,408 dengue cases with a death toll at 12. Bengaluru has the highest number of dengue patients with over 11,000 active cases. Other areas like Mandya, Hassan, Mysuru and Kalaburgi also have many active cases. Hence, as dengue cases continuously increase, the Karnataka government has declared it an epidemic and is taking strict measures to curb the spread.

The State Health Department has warned house owners of penalising if mosquito breeding is observed near their residences. A fine will be imposed if owners don't clean their surroundings and help curb the virus. Owners of active construction areas which provide space for mosquitoes to breed will be fined Rs 2,000.

But when does a disease turn into an epidemic? Let’s check

What is an epidemic?

An epidemic occurs when a disease spreads rapidly among a significant portion of a population within a specific geographic area. For a disease like dengue to be classified as an epidemic, the number of reported cases must exceed the expected or baseline levels for that particular area and time of year. For instance, in regions where dengue is endemic, there may be a predictable rise in cases during the rainy season when mosquito populations are at their peak. However, when the number of cases significantly surpasses these expected levels, it signals the onset of an epidemic.

Dengue has created havoc in Bengaluru. Dengue transmission is highly dependent on environmental factors, particularly those that affect mosquito breeding, such as rainfall and temperature. These conditions lead to a surge in dengue cases.

State Health authorities have been monitoring dengue cases through surveillance systems that track the number of cases and their geographic distribution. When these systems detect a spike in cases that exceeds the epidemic threshold, an official epidemic declaration may be made.

Tips To Keep Yourself Safe From Dengue

Use Mosquito Repellent

The most efficient way to prevent dengue fever is to use mosquito repellent. These creams should not be applied more than 3 times a day and the duration of protection usually varies depending on the brand.

Wear Full-Sleeve Clothes

Wear full clothes that can cover you completely. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and closed-toe shoes instead of sandals.

Keep Windows And Doors Closed

The mosquitoes that carry the dengue viruses are most active from dawn to dusk and keep windows and doors closed during these hours.

Always keep the dustbins clean. Do not let any dirt get collected to avoid mosquitoes.

Use light camphor as it will help you keep the mosquitoes away.

Repair broken septic tanks and cover vent pipes with wire mesh if available at home.

Avoid Mosquito Prone Areas

Mosquitoes are tropical and humid climates, a description that applies to almost our entire country. Aedes mosquitoes are especially prevalent in urban and semi-urban areas.

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