India sees 600 dengue cases daily; sharp surge in Delhi
Dengue cases increased significantly in India last year, hitting an all-time high of 2,33,251, the central government has revealed. India reportedly saw nearly 639 daily cases in 2022, a 20% rise from 2021, when the country recorded approximately 529 daily cases. Delhi alone registered nearly 190 cases this year until July 22—the highest since 2018—per the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
Why does this story matter?
Dengue cases in India have steadily increased since last year, causing concern among the general public and government authorities. According to experts, the increase in such infections is due to record rains and a lack of mosquito control methods. Furthermore, waterlogging and flooding in various states and union territories, including Delhi, have increased the likelihood of mosquito breeding.
India reported 303 dengue deaths in 2022
According to data from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 2,33,251 dengue cases were reported in 35 states and union territories in 2022, with at least 303 deaths. India reportedly saw an increase of over 1,312% in dengue cases since the first major outbreak in 1996. The data was presented by Minister of State for Health, SP Singh Baghel, in the Parliament.
Highest cases in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan
A report by The Times of India added that, of the 2.33 lakh cases, the highest number of 67,271 was reported by West Bengal, followed by Uttar Pradesh (19,821), Bihar (13,972), and Rajasthan (13,491). Baghel said after a major dengue outbreak in 1996, it has spread to "newer geography." "Currently, dengue cases are reported from all the states and UTs, except Ladakh," he said.
1.88 lakh increase in cases in 2 years: NCVBDC
Meanwhile, the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) said that the majority of the dengue deaths in 2022 were reported in Punjab (41), followed by UP (33), Bihar (32), and West Bengal (30). Between 2020-22, dengue cases increased by 1.88 lakh—from 44,585 in 2020 to 2,33,251 last year. At least 1,368 dengue deaths were reported in the country from 2017 to 2022.
Delhi saw 187 dengue cases this year: MCD
In Delhi, 187 dengue cases were reported this year till July 22, with 65 cases reported in July alone, according to the MCD. It was 40 in June and 23 in May. In 2022, Delhi reported 159 cases between January 1 and July 15. During the same period in 2021, it reported 47 cases, 26 in 2020, 34 in 2019, and 49 in 2018.
Floods, waterlogging may increase prevalence
Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi recently stated that the national capital might see a rise in dengue and malaria cases this year due to floods and waterlogging in several areas, per PTI. She also reportedly asked the concerned departments to take steps to check mosquito breeding and clear the silt and sludge left by the flood waters.
High alert in Gurugram after 3 dengue cases confirmed
The Haryana Health Department confirmed three dengue cases in Gurugram on Monday. It has also identified 58 suspected dengue patients in the region and sent their blood samples for testing. Officials have also urged people to take precautions.
Strike of municipal workers may increase challenge
On Friday, Delhi's drug control department banned the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of painkillers amid a possible spike in dengue cases. Separately, the union of municipal workers, who are at the forefront of the fight against vector-borne diseases in Delhi, has called for an indefinite strike starting July 31. They stated that their demand for job regularization, among others, has not been met so far.
About dengue and how you can prevent it
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused due to the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito. It causes symptoms such as fever, body aches, nausea, vomiting, internal bleeding, and a drop in blood pressure. To avoid being bitten by dengue-carrying mosquitoes, people should maintain a clean environment and protect any exposed skin.
