India marks National Dengue Day amid rising cases and renewed focus on prevention

India observes National Dengue Day on 16 May each year to raise awareness about dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection that poses significant public health challenges. The 2025 theme, “Dengue Prevention: Our Responsibility for a Safer Tomorrow,” underscores the importance of collective action in combating the disease.

How Dengue Affects the Human Body

The infection is caused by the dengue virus, which spreads to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, primarily Aedes aegypti.

Once bitten, symptoms usually appear within 4 to 10 days. Common signs include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, skin rash, and intense muscle and joint pain.

Because of this joint and muscle pain, dengue is often referred to as "breakbone fever".

In severe cases, dengue can develop into dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. These conditions may cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

Without timely medical intervention, severe dengue can be fatal. Since there is no specific antiviral treatment, early diagnosis, supportive care, and mosquito control remain essential to managing the disease.

Dengue in India: Current Landscape

According to the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), India recorded 2,33,519 dengue cases and 297 related deaths in the year 2024. In 2023, the country recorded 2,89,235 dengue cases, and 485 deaths were reported.

Dr. Abhijeet Chhatoi, P.G. Resident, Department of Community Medicine at SCB Medical College & Hospital, shares his expertise:

Can a person get dengue more than once?

Yes, the Dengue virus has four serotypes or strains, DEN 1,2,3,4. If a person gets infected with Serotype 1 then they develop an immunity to it. However, they are still at risk of being infected by the rest of the strains.

What’s more dangerous, first-time dengue or a second infection with a different serotype?

Dengue can be serious both times... But if a patient gets cross-serotype infection the 2nd time, that can be more dangerous. 

Is there a vaccine available for dengue?

The vaccine is currently under a phase 3 clinical trial. However, the vaccine is not yet available for public use

What unusual symptom can help doctors suspect dengue over other fevers? Can dengue be confused with other diseases?

Other symptoms include loss of appetite, change in stool colour, signs of dehydration (in dhf/dss) , either due to repeated vomiting or due to blood loss, abdominal pain, and mucosal bleeding. 

Dengue can be confused with other diseases like Typhoid, Malaria, and simple viral fever. A person would need to rely on lab diagnostic tests and other clinical features.

What is “Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever”?

DHF is dengue fever plus signs of bleeding (platelet count <1lakh, evidence of plasma leakages, i.e, more than 20% rise in haematocrit or >20% drop in haematocrit after fluid replenishment therapy, pleural effusion, ascitis, or hypoprotinemia)

Dengue Prevention and Cure At a Glance

Prevention

• Avoid mosquito bites: Use mosquito repellents, nets, and wear long-sleeved clothes

• Eliminate stagnant water: Remove water from flower pots, tyres, and containers to stop mosquito breeding

• Keep surroundings clean: Maintain hygiene indoors and outdoors

• Install screens: Use window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes entering

• Use mosquito coils or vapourisers: Especially during early morning and evening hours

Cure and Management

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water, ORS, and juices

• Take paracetamol: For fever and pain relief (avoid aspirin or ibuprofen)

• Rest well: Allow the body to recover naturally

• Monitor symptoms: Watch for warning signs like bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or persistent vomiting