Nat'l Dengue Day: Factors contributing to the rising burden of dengue in India

Rising temperatures unprecedented floods and challenges in public health infrastructure are all contributing to the rising burden of dengue in India said experts on Wednesday ahead of National Dengue DayEvery year National Dengue Day is observed on May 16 in India The theme for this year is lsquoDengue Prevention Our Responsibility for a Safer TomorrowDengue is a vectorborne disease transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and is endemic to more than 100 countriesldquoDengue fevers widespread presence in India can be attributed primarily to the regions climate which creates an ideal environment for Aedes mosquitoes the primary vector for dengue virus transmission These mosquitoes thrive in warm humid conditions prevalent across many parts of India particularly during the monsoon seasonrdquo said Dr Rohit Kumar Garg Consultant Department of Infectious Diseases Amrita Hospital FaridabadUrbanisation and the density of the human population also facilitate the rapid spread of the virusldquoThe rising burden of dengue in India reflects these conditions alongside challenges in public health infrastructure to control the spread and manage outbreaks effectivelyrdquo Dr Rohit saidAccording to the experts the transmission of dengue is closely associated with three key factors Rainfall humidity and temperature which dictate the geographies in which it spreads and the transmission rateldquoUnpredictable rains coupled with rampant construction and inadequate drainage systems create stagnant water pockets that are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoesrdquo Dr Divya Gopal Internal Medicine Sir HN Reliance Hospital and Research Centre told IANSldquoRising temperatures and unprecedented flooding have also encouraged the spread of mosquitoes well beyond their traditional breeding grounds bringing dengue fever to areas never before threatened by these debilitating illnessesrdquo she addedDespite the challenges progress has been made particularly in the development and implementation of strategies for vector control in India which can be seen in the declining cases and death ratesAs per the data from the Health Ministryrsquos National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme NVBDCP dengue claimed 91 lives and affected 94198 people in the country in India in 2023 a marked decline from 193245 cases and 346 deaths in 2021However in 2022 the cases declined 233251 but deaths rose 303Meanwhile the World Health Organisation WHO has prequalified two dengue vaccines Japanese drug maker Takedarsquos liveattenuated TAK003 and Sanofi Pasteurrsquos CYDTDVldquoThese vaccines offer hope for reducing the incidence of dengue although their effectiveness depends on broader strategies including vector control public awareness and robust surveillance systems to monitor and respond to outbreaks efficientlyrdquo Dr Rohit saidThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever