Why are dengue cases on the surge? | EXPLAINED

In the past few weeks, cases of dengue have been rising in some parts of the country. Karnataka, in particular, has been experiencing a rapid surge in cases in the last few days.

The story so far: In the past few weeks, cases of dengue have been rising in some parts of the country. Karnataka, in particular, has been experiencing a rapid surge in cases in the last few days, while the cases have been climbing up in Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well.

According to data published on the website of the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control, the country has recorded 19,447 cases of dengue and 16 deaths till April 30, 2024. Going by this data, Kerala and Tamil Nadu accounted for the most number of cases; the former had 4,412 cases and 14 deaths and the latter registered 4,204 cases and two deaths. Karnataka, where cases are currently soaring, had, till then, recorded 2,503 cases and nil deaths. Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh were the only other States with over 1,000 cases each.

Figures from the daily bulletin now being issued by Karnataka’s Department of Health and Family Welfare show that the State recorded a total of 7,840 cases of dengue and seven deaths from January 1 to July 10. Of this, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike recorded the most number of cases at 2,292. The active caseload in the State stood at 358. On July 10 alone, the State reported 293 cases.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of April 30, over 7.6 million cases of dengue were reported in 2024. This included 3.4 million confirmed cases, over 16,000 severe cases and over 3,000 deaths.

In an update on the global scenario dated May 30, it said that 90 countries have known active dengue transmission, adding that “not all of which have been captured in formal reporting”. WHO pinpointed that the actual burden of dengue is underestimated as many endemic countries did not have strong detection and reporting mechanisms.

The WHO noted that at least five countries, including India, were grappling with the onset of monsoon season, which created suitable conditions for the breeding and survival of Aedes mosquito. Urbanisation and population movements have also played a pivotal role in the increasing burden in the region.

WHO observed that the incidence of dengue has grown dramatically around the world in recent decades. “About half of the world’s population is now at risk of dengue with an estimated 100-400 million infections occurring each year. Dengue is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas,” it pointed out.