Dengue on the Rise in India: A Wake-Up Call

• Climate Change widens the danger zone for dengue in India

Dengue fever has become a serious and growing health threat in India, especially between July and mid-November. Recent years have seen a sharp rise in cases across the country not just in traditional hotspots, but in newer regions as well, such as Nagaland and parts of Himachal Pradesh. Experts point to climate change as a major reason behind this spread.

According to the National Centre for Vector-Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), dengue cases in India have increased from 28,066 in 2010 to over 2.89 lakh in 2023. In 2025 (as of March), India has already reported more than 16,000 cases, indicating a worrying early trend for the year. This massive and continuing rise highlights the urgency of strengthening our public health systems and response.

Globally, dengue is spreading to new regions too. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that due to global warming, as many as 4.7 billion people could be at risk of dengue by the end of the century.

Dengue is caused by a virus spread by Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid climates. As the climate changes, more parts of India are becoming suitable for their breeding. Higher temperatures speed up mosquito breeding cycles and help the dengue virus multiply faster inside their bodies. Rainfall, flooding, and even water storage during droughts create pools of stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, according to Dr Vikram Jeet Singh, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Aakash Healthcare.

A study published in The Lancet states that climate-sensitive diseases like dengue are likely to rise significantly, especially in South Asia, if countries do not act urgently. northern Indian states like Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh have started seeing regular outbreaks a sign that the traditional “dengue belt” is expanding.

Some media reports recently suggested that a dengue vaccine, Qdenga, has been approved in several countries and is expected to be launched in India next year. Reports claimed that Qdenga can protect people from all four strains of the dengue virus.

Experts say India must take urgent steps to manage dengue both in the short and long term. In the short term, to combat the rising threat of dengue, a multi-pronged strategy is essential. One of the most effective short-term measures is the use of mosquito nets, window screens, and covers for water storage containers. When used consistently, these have been shown to significantly reduce mosquito bites and dengue transmission, said Dr Sunil Rana, Associate Director and Head of unit III internal Medicine, Asian Hospital. Additionally, biocontrol methods, like introducing mosquito-eating fish into ponds and tanks, have been successfully used in states like Andhra Pradesh to reduce mosquito populations without relying on chemical insecticides, said Dr Sunil Rana.

Stronger partnerships between government and private sector players can amplify the impact of control measures. Businesses can support community clean-up campaigns, fund public awareness drives, or help distribute low-cost mosquito control products, said Dr Vineet Rao, Consultant – General Medicine, Jupiter Hospital, Baner, Pune. In remote and underserved areas with limited health infrastructure, mobile health clinics and ASHA workers can play a critical role in delivering services such as dengue testing and educating communities on prevention methods, Dr Vineet. At the broader policy level, disaster response plans, especially in flood-prone states like Assam and Bihar, should integrate mosquito control as a key priority.

According to Dr. Aakaar Kapoor, CEO and Lead Medical Advisor at City XRay and Scan Clinic, India should adopt Integrated Vector Management (IVM) a coordinated approach that involves multiple sectors such as health, agriculture, urban planning, and the environment. While India’s National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) includes elements of IVM, more coordination and on-ground training are needed to make it fully effective.

However, according to Dr. Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Chief of Neurology, Fortis Hospital, emphasizes that dengue’s nationwide spread, amplified by climate change, brings not just fever but serious neurological risks like encephalitis, seizures, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. As cases surge year-round, early diagnosis and awareness are crucial. Beyond vector control and vaccines, safeguarding brain health demands urgent, coordinated, and informed public health action.

Public health efforts must be supported by individuals, local communities, and government agencies alike. As India adapts to a changing climate, fighting dengue must become a top priority, not just for health, but for national development, Dr Vikram.