India observed National Dengue Day on May 16, 2025, to raise awareness and intensify preventive and control measures against dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Key Highlights
- Date: 16 May (observed annually)
- Established by: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
- Year of Initiation: 2010
- Purpose: To raise public awareness, promote prevention, and improve control of vector-borne diseases, especially dengue.
Theme for National Dengue Day 2025
“Act Early, Prevent Dengue: Clean Surroundings, Healthy Living”
- Emphasizes early preventive action before monsoon
- Urges individuals to maintain clean surroundings to eliminate mosquito breeding sites
Why It Matters?
- With the onset of monsoon, the risk of vector-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever increases.
- National Dengue Day is a strategic initiative to enhance surveillance, increase community participation, and promote vector control measures.
About Dengue
- Causative Agent: Dengue virus, transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito (primarily Aedes aegypti)
- Prevalence: Common in subtropical and tropical regions, especially during the monsoon season
- Incubation Period: 4–10 days after the bite
- Symptoms: Headache; Fever; Rash; Body ache and joint pain; Vomiting and nausea. In severe cases: Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, internal bleeding, shock, and even death
Global Dengue Burden (2024 WHO Data)
- Reported Cases: 7.6 million globally
- Confirmed Cases: 3.4 million
- Severe Cases: 16,000+
- Fatalities: 3,000+ deaths
- Observation: Dengue epidemics follow seasonal patterns, typically peaking during and after rainy seasons
WHO Insights on Dengue Spread
Factors that contribute to dengue outbreaks:
- High mosquito population
- Circulating serotypes and population susceptibility
- Favourable temperature, precipitation, and humidity
- Lack of proactive vector control measures and trained field staff
Treatment and Prevention
- No specific antiviral treatment exists for dengue
- Medical management focuses on symptom relief and hydration
- Prevention is key:
- Eliminate mosquito breeding sites
- Use mosquito nets and repellents
- Promote public hygiene and cleanliness
Significance
- Aims to reduce dengue incidence and fatalities through public engagement
- Strengthens India’s readiness for vector-borne disease outbreaks
- Aligns with national goals on public health protection and disease prevention