Dengue, also known as break-bone fever, has increased in India over the past four years. In 2022, a total of 2.33 lakh cases and 303 deaths were reported.
In 2023, a total of 2.89 lakh cases and 485 dengue deaths were reported in the country.
The urban areas have contributed 55-58% of the total cases for the last few years. However, in 2023, it had increased to around 68%.
Although dengue cases generally peak in October, this year’s trend shows that, as of July 31, 2024, the number of cases is already almost 50% higher than at the same time last year.
In India, approximately 75-80% of infections are asymptomatic, yet these individuals can still transmit the disease through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes.
Among the 20-25% of cases where symptoms are clinically apparent, children are at a significantly higher risk of hospitalisation and mortality. In adults, the disease can escalate into severe conditions like dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.
The global incidence of dengue has been steadily increasing over the past two decades, with more than 129 countries reporting dengue viral disease by the end of 2023, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The dengue virus has four serotypes, 1-4, with low cross-protection against each other, meaning individuals can experience repeated infections.