What Are the Recent Dengue Statistics in India?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 49,573 cases of dengue reported in India.
- 42 deaths linked to the disease.
- Government introduces an 8-pillar strategy for prevention.
- Vigilance is crucial due to potential case spikes.
- Community awareness and hospital readiness emphasized.
New Delhi, Sep 15 (NationPress) The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported that India has recorded 49,573 dengue cases and 42 fatalities linked to this mosquito-borne illness until August. In the capital, Delhi, there were 964 reported cases by August 31, which is a decrease from 1,215 cases during the same period last year, as noted in a high-level review meeting led by Union Health Minister JP Nadda.
Surrounding NCR States reported 1,646 cases from Uttar Pradesh, 298 from Haryana, and 1,181 from Rajasthan.
In contrast, 2024 saw a total of 2,33,519 dengue cases and 297 deaths throughout the nation.
“Currently, the dengue incidence is low; however, vigilance is crucial to prevent a possible surge in cases,” Nadda emphasized.
He urged state governments to evaluate their readiness, especially given the extended rainy season and instances of waterlogging.
The meeting aimed to conduct an extensive review of the epidemiological landscape, evaluating the preparedness of municipal bodies, hospitals, and state administrations, while identifying deficiencies in surveillance, case management, and vector control.
“It is vital to proactively anticipate and prepare for potential outbreaks,” stated the Health Minister, who also underscored the importance of conducting targeted initiatives in schools, labor camps, and areas at risk for dengue.
Nadda outlined several essential action points to enhance dengue preparedness in Delhi and its neighboring regions.
He stressed the need for “enhancing vector control through source reduction, which includes the elimination or treatment of rain-filled containers once floodwaters recede, along with insecticide fogging in areas with rising fever cases.”
Additionally, he called for “hospital readiness by ensuring dedicated wards, adequate beds, blood components, diagnostic tools, medications, and insecticides, and by notifying Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals (SSHs) and other public and private hospitals.”
The Minister was also updated on the National Strategy for Prevention and Control of Dengue, which is being enforced nationwide, including in Delhi and the NCR.
“This strategy, referred to as the ‘Octalogue’, is based on eight pillars: surveillance, case management, vector management, outbreak response, capacity building, behavior change communication, inter-sectoral coordination, and monitoring and supervision,” the Ministry indicated.
Moreover, the government has undertaken various measures, including issuing advisories, conducting high-level reviews, providing training on case management, offering free diagnostic services, promoting community awareness, facilitating inter-ministerial coordination, and delivering financial support through the National Health Mission.