‘From prevalence in eight States in 2001, dengue now a nationwide infection’

Source: The post is based on the article “‘From prevalence in eight States in 2001, dengue now a nationwide infection’” published in The Hindu on 29th May 2023

What is the News?

Dengue, which was restricted to eight States in 2001, currently covers all the States and Union Territories in India.

What is Dengue?

What is DNA Vaccine for Dengue?

About the geographical spread of dengue in India

During the past two decades, there has been a significant geographical spread of dengue with an 11-fold increase and repeated outbreaks.

Rural areas contributed approximately 32% of the total cases in 2015-16 and have increased to 41%-45% now.

About the global spread of dengue

The World Health Organization estimates the global incidence of dengue has grown over recent decades, with half of the world population now at risk.

The ICMR said that this risk from dengue is now endemic in more than 100 countries.

What are the various reasons for controlling the spread of Dengue?

Dengue has been propelled by several factors, including climate change, increased urbanisation and increased travel, intermittent water supply and poor waste management at construction sites.

The dengue vector is very different from the malaria vector and so, bio-environmental strategies alone will not work.

Various problems in controlling Aedes: These include day-biting habit, multiple biting, long incubation period, fast transport, eggs retained up to one year, container breeding, etc.

How India is aiming to control the spread of dengue?

Apart from vaccines, the government is also increasing awareness and promoting prevention, people’s participation, and the use of the latest technology, including satellite imaging and drones to map vulnerable areas.