Karnataka registers 7th dengue death, teenaged boy dies in Haveri district

The number of infections across the state reached 7,362.

Meanwhile, the BJP has demanded that dengue be declared a medical emergency, whereas the ruling Congress has claimed the situation did not warrant such a declaration.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday said the department was closely monitoring dengue control efforts and ensuring that there was no shortage of beds or medicines in the state.

“I have consulted the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on dengue. But the situation is not such that we have to declare it a medical emergency, because all the facilities are there, like beds, medicines, etc…” he said.

The meeting with the TAC was held after Leader of Opposition in Assembly R Ashoka, and BJP Bengaluru Rural MP Dr C N Manjunath urged the government to declare dengue as a “medical emergency”.

“There are heaps of garbage everywhere as well as water stagnation due to rain. The government should pay for the testing but many health centres are charging up to Rs 1,000 for a test. Is it not possible for the government to make it free which would cost only Rs 10 crore to the exchequer,” Ashoka said after visiting patients at Jayadeva Hospital.

However, Rao said, “We have held separate meetings with CEOs of Zilla Panchayats of all districts and the chief commissioner of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Instructions have been given to spray insecticides at places where mosquitoes germinate…”

A political slugfest broke out after the Karnataka unit of the BJP posted a video wherein Dinesh Gundu Rao can be seen swimming. The official handle of BJP Karnataka wrote, “Tragedy hits Karnataka as 7, including children, succumb to Dengue and Zika Virus outbreaks. Meanwhile, the Health Minister flaunts his swimming skills! The epidemic is out of control, yet leaders are more focused on who gets the DCM/CM chair. Congress leaders’ priorities are always misguided, much like their ‘Balak Buddhi’ prince.”

📢 Tragedy hits Karnataka as 7, including children, succumb to Dengue and Zika Virus outbreaks. Meanwhile, the Health Minister flaunts his swimming skills! 🏊‍♂️ The epidemic is out of control, yet leaders are more focused on who gets the DCM/CM chair. Congress leaders' priorities… pic.twitter.com/g1kIE4Vja7

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) July 6, 2024

Hitting back, Rao said that swimming was part of his routine exercise. “It not only keeps you healthy but also keeps your mind sharp. More than mosquitos, the BJP’s lies are spreading faster. They need to be curbed. I would urge the Opposition to not spread fear among the public on the dengue issue. Making vague statements is not right. I have spoken to BJP MP C N Manjunath, he spoke well and gave good advice, but Ashoka and other Opposition leaders are saying vague things, they should think scientifically and advise in the interest of the people,” he added.