Dengue cases are increasing across several parts of India even before the arrival of the monsoon, raising concerns among health experts who say the disease is no longer limited to the rainy season.
Doctors warn that dengue has gradually turned into a year-round public health challenge, driven by factors such as climate change, rising temperatures, rapid urbanisation and poor sanitation conditions.
Dengue no longer limited to monsoon months
For years, dengue outbreaks were mainly linked to stagnant rainwater during the monsoon. However, experts say changing weather patterns and irregular rainfall have extended mosquito breeding periods, allowing the virus to spread for longer durations each year.
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Research data cited by News18 shows that the number of months suitable for dengue transmission in India has steadily increased over the decades, reaching nearly 5.6 months annually between 2012 and 2021.
“Dengue is no longer a seasonal disease; it is a year-round public health problem," Dr Sanjay Sarin, Asia Continental Lead and Director South Asia, DNDi, was quoted as saying by News18. “India’s reported cases have been rising steadily, but the true burden is far greater than our surveillance captures."
A Municipal worker fumigates during a fogging drive to prevent dengue and malaria cases. File image/ANI Early diagnosis remains critical
Health experts cited by News18 say one of the biggest challenges in dengue management is the absence of a specific antiviral treatment. Patients are mainly treated through supportive care, including hydration, fever management and regular monitoring.
“Prevention through vector control and vaccines is essential, but insufficient because once infected, patients have no medicine to fight the virus. Early diagnosis remains critical," Dr Sarin explains.
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Doctors also caution that many people mistake dengue symptoms for a common viral fever, delaying medical attention during the most important stage of the illness.
Symptoms such as sudden high fever, body pain, headaches, nausea, fatigue, pain behind the eyes and skin rashes should not be ignored, especially when mosquito activity is high.
Dengue-infected patients receive treatment inside a dengue ward. File image/ANI Doctors advise timely testing and prevention
Dr Tushar Tayal, Associate Director, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, was quoted as saying by News18 that timely testing can help prevent serious complications.
“With dengue cases continuing to rise, staying alert and taking preventive steps has become more important than ever. Early diagnosis can make a major difference, as timely treatment and proper monitoring help prevent serious complications," he says.
Experts recommend taking an NS1 antigen test within the first three days of symptoms for early detection. They also advise clearing stagnant water, using mosquito repellents, wearing full-sleeved clothes and avoiding mosquito exposure during early mornings and evenings.
