Dengue no longer a seasonal phenomenon in HP- Specialist
Dengue no longer a seasonal phenomenon in HP- Specialist
Shimla/ Hamirpur, June 19
Dengue, once considered a seasonal disease linked mainly to the monsoon, has now become a year-round health concern, according to public health expert Dr. Naresh Purohit.
Speaking at a webinar on “Killer Mosquitoes” organised by the Military Hospital at Palampur on Thursday, Dr. Purohit said changing weather patterns and human habits have enabled dengue-carrying mosquitoes to survive and breed throughout the year.
Referring to his research report, “Mosquito Menace in the Hill State,” he said dengue outbreaks during summer are often caused by stagnant water collected in air coolers, containers kept for birds and animals, flower pot trays and other household storage units.
“The disease is no longer restricted to the rainy season. Cases are being reported even during summer months, making dengue a year-round phenomenon,” said Dr. Purohit, who is also Principal Investigator of the National Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme.
He said rising temperatures and changing climatic conditions are creating favourable environments for the breeding of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which transmit the dengue virus.
Quoting data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Purohit said nearly half of the global population is at risk of dengue, with an estimated 100 to 400 million infections reported every year worldwide.
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In India, the burden of the disease has also increased steadily. According to figures from the National Centre for Vector-Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC), dengue cases rose from 1.57 lakh in 2019 to 2.33 lakh in 2024.
He noted that international and domestic travel also contributes to the spread of the disease. People visiting regions with heavy rainfall and high humidity may contract the infection and carry it back to their home areas.
Dr. Purohit stressed that preventing mosquito breeding is the most effective way to control dengue. He urged people to observe a weekly “dry day” by emptying, cleaning and drying all water-holding containers, including coolers, trays and tanks.
He expressed concern that awareness about dengue during summer remains low. With more households using coolers to beat the heat, stagnant water inside homes has become a major breeding source for mosquitoes.
The expert also pointed out that people travelling to cooler destinations during summer vacations may become infected and unintentionally spread the virus after returning home.
Health specialists participating in the webinar advised people to protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing full-sleeved clothes, using mosquito repellents, sleeping under mosquito nets and avoiding areas where water collects and remains stagnant.
They said continuous awareness and preventive measures throughout the year are essential to curb the growing threat of dengue.
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