Rising Dengue Cases in India: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

With the onset of Monsoons, the cases of dengue is on rise in India. Bengaluru is among one of the most severely impacted Indian cities with 2,118 cases and one fatality reported since January.

Reviewing the dengue outbreak and public health preparations, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday. States with high dengue case counts were asked by Nadda to control the illness proactively. In addition, he instructed officials to strengthen dengue preventive, containment, and management initiatives.

According to the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC), India has reported approximately 19,447 dengue cases and 16 deaths thus far in 2024. The number of dengue infections in India is on rise in various States including Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. This has led medical experts to express concern about a lesser-known but potentially fatal element of the disease.

Dengue

As per World Health Organization, dengue also known as break bone fever is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. However, the most typical symptoms for those who do include rash, nausea, body aches, headaches, and high fever. Most recover in one to two weeks whereas certain individuals experience severe dengue and require hospital care. It can be lethal in severe situations.

In 2023, there were the most recorded cases of dengue. There were 2300 deaths and 4.5 million cases in the WHO Region of the Americas. In addition to it Asia, Bangladesh (321 000 cases), Malaysia (111 400 cases), Thailand (150 000 cases), and Viet Nam (369 000 cases) had the highest reported numbers.

Cause

Dengue is caused by the dengue virus (DENV). DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4 are the four different serotypes of the virus. A person can contract one serotype up to four times, as infection with that serotype confers lifetime immunity to that serotype but not to the others. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the main vector for dengue transmission, while Aedes albopictus is also capable of doing so. These mosquitoes attack mostly during the day and reproduce in standing water.

Symptoms

Most dengue patients experience minimal to no symptoms, and they usually recover in one to two weeks. However, symptoms typically appears 4–10 days following infection and continue for 2–7 days. They are as following:

• Elevated fever (104°F/40°C)
• Severe headache
• Pain in the muscles and joints
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Enlarged glands.

Serious dengue symptoms (after fever)

• Excruciating stomach ache
• Frequent vomiting
• Fast breathing
• Bleeding gums or nose
• Exhaustion
• Restlessness
• Blood in the stool or vomit
• Extreme thirst
• Pale, cold skin
• Weakness

Diagnosis

The main diagnostic criteria for dengue fever are clinical symptoms and the patient’s medical history, which includes any recent travel to an endemic area. In addition, the diagnosis is verified by laboratory testing, which includes: PCR or molecular testing (finds virus RNA in blood) and Serological tests (detects antibodies made in reaction to the infection.)

Prevention & Control of Dengue

Dengue-transmitting mosquitoes are most active during the day. Use the following methods to shield yourself from mosquito bites and lower your chance of getting dengue:

• Proper clothing covering body
• window screens
• insect repellents (including DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535)
• coils and vaporizers
• mosquito nets.

Stop mosquitoes from breeding by:

• removing artificial, man-made habitats that can store water,
• managing the environment to keep mosquitoes out of egg-laying areas, and appropriately disposing of solid material
• Weekly maintenance of household water storage containers includes covering, emptying, and cleaning; outside water storage containers should have the proper insecticides applied.

According to CDC

• Consult a medical professional if you get fever or dengue symptoms.
• Inform medical professional of any recent trips you’ve taken.
• Rest.
• Take Acetaminophen (paracetamol) to reduce temperature and ease pain.
• Never take ibuprofen or aspirin.
• Maintain hydration by sipping on water or electrolyte-fortified beverages.
• Take care of a sick baby, kid, or relative at home if the symptoms are moderate.

Warning Signs of Severe Dengue

Usually, the first warning signs appear 24–48 hours after your fever has subsided. However, If any of the following symptoms appear visit a nearby clinic or emergency hospital immediately:

• Tenderness and pain in the belly
• Vomiting (at least three times in a day)
• Bleeding (gums or nose)
• Having blood in the stool or vomited
• Being worn out, fidgety, or agitated

Source: Inputs from various media

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professionals with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.