Bangalore: With rain affecting large parts of India, southern states are experiencing a rise in vector-borne diseases. In Karnataka, the dengue outbreak has become a major concern, as the number of recorded cases has surpassed 7,000 this year.

As of July 6, Karnataka has reported 7,006 dengue cases, with six fatalities attributed to the disease. Bengaluru has been hit hardest, with 1,908 confirmed cases, the highest in the state. Other affected districts include Chikkamagaluru with 521 cases, Mysuru with 496 cases, Haveri with 481 cases, Dharwad with 289 cases, and Chitradurga with 275 cases. Health authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions and seek medical attention if they exhibit symptoms of dengue.

Amid the escalating crisis, a political dispute has emerged. The Karnataka BJP has criticized the Congress-led government for its handling of the situation, prompting a response from Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. In a post on X, Rao retorted, “Please give it a read and take a moment to understand the crux of the situation. While we are trying to outsmart the supersmart mosquitoes, @BJP4Karnataka continues to make dumb remarks.”

Rao further highlighted the government's efforts to manage the outbreak, including regulating testing prices at private hospitals. He also criticized the BJP’s handling of past crises, such as the Chamrajanagar oxygen tragedy, and urged the opposition to acknowledge the truth before making further criticisms.

The BJP has accused the Congress government of mismanagement and inefficiency. They have claimed that essential services like drinking water in hospitals are lacking and suggested that Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao should resign. The BJP also criticized the government’s approach to managing the outbreak, alleging corruption and misallocation of funds meant for marginalized communities.

In response to the crisis, Leader of Opposition R Ashoka visited Jayanagar government hospital and met with dengue patients. He proposed the formation of a task force at the Taluk level, free testing for the underprivileged, and increased sanitation efforts, such as clearing garbage and conducting fogging operations. Ashoka also recommended deploying ASHA workers for door-to-door symptom checks and establishing dedicated dengue wards in state-run hospitals.

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