Pune, May 15: Every year National Dengue Day is observed on 16th May across the country to initiate pre-monsoon preventive activities.[i] It is a timely reminder that preventing dengue requires sustained effort from individuals, families, and communities alike. This year, with rising temperatures and changing climate patterns, dengue risk is higher across India, making this reminder more important than ever.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has projected that large parts of the country will experience above normal temperatures and more heatwave days in 2026, potentially making it one of the hottest years on record.[ii] Scientists across the globe have also warned that climate patterns such as El Niño could intensify extreme weather events, increasing the risk of disease outbreak.[iii] Such conditions are likely to increase dengue risk, as higher temperatures create a favourable environment for the spread of vector borne diseases, contributing to Indian cities emerging as key hotspots for dengue transmission.[iv]
Dengue is no longer confined to the monsoon season and is now a year-round public health concern, with cases being reported beyond traditional seasonal peaks.[v] Rapid urbanisation, rising temperatures,[vi] and changing climate patterns are accelerating the spread of dengue. [vii] In addition, factors such as high population density, unplanned construction activity, [viii] and water storage practices[ix] are creating the ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.
India accounts for nearly one third of the global dengue burden, [x] with transmission rising elevenfold over the past two decades.[xi] Dengue is endemic across most parts of India and periodically causes annual outbreaks, with cases reported from nearly every region.[xii] It has now become perennial (year-round) in southern and western parts of India.[xiii]
It is now being reported beyond traditional monsoon months and in previously low risk areas, including higher altitude regions such as Himachal Pradesh and parts of the Northeast.[xiv] The scale of risk is expected to grow further, with an estimated 1.5 billion Indians projected to live in dengue risk zones by 2050. [xv]
Dengue can affect people of all age groups; however, certain groups remain highly vulnerable to severe dengue. Children under 15 account for a large share of cases and face higher risk of severe dengue due to developing immune systems.[xvi] Adults with underlying conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular disease are also more likely to experience complications.[xvii] [xviii] In addition, India has all four dengue serotypes in circulation,[xix] meaning individuals can be infected multiple times, [xx]. with secondary infections often resulting in more severe disease and increased risk of hospitalisation.[xxi]
Dr Atul Joshi, Consultant Physician, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Pune, said: “We are increasingly seeing dengue cases beyond the traditional season, including during the pre-monsoon months. [xxii] This indicates that dengue is no longer strictly seasonal but a year-round risk in cities,[xxiii] making early preventive action critical before the monsoon begins. We witness 5-6 dengue cases every month, and this number increases multi-fold during the monsoon season. Dengue mosquitoes are most active during the same times people are, early morning and late afternoon, which increases the likelihood of bites and transmission.[xxiv] In addition to that, these dengue mosquitoes are entering homes more often in cities and biting people beyond their usual active hours. [xxv] Factors such as artificial lighting and warmer temperatures can keep them active for longer, extending their biting hours into the evening. [xxvi] This widens the risk window for everyone in a household and increasing the spread of the disease. Understanding dengue’s evolving risk factors is crucial amid the increasing cases. Comprehensive prevention measures like eliminating stagnant water, using repellent throughout the day and even later, and enhancing community surveillance can significantly help curb transmission and protect public health. Dengue prevention needs to be consistent and cover both indoor and outdoor environments.”
Dengue symptoms typically begin 4 to 10 days after a mosquito bite[xxvii] and may include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and rash.[xxviii] While many cases are mild, warning signs can appear as the fever subsides and should not be ignored. These include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, extreme fatigue, restlessness, and blood in vomit or stool. [xxix]
If not treated on time, severe dengue can be life-threatening in up to 20 percent of cases,[xxx] and may lead to complications such as fluid leakage, Dengue Shock Syndrome, and multi organ failure, placing additional burden on families and healthcare system. [xxxi]
The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue, thrives in densely populated urban environments and breeds in small collections of clean, stagnant water commonly found in households such as water tanks, buckets, flowerpots, and discarded containers[xxxii]. As a result, dengue often spreads in clusters within homes and communities, where even a few infected mosquitoes can transmit the virus to multiple people.[xxxiii] Regular checks in homes, schools, neighbourhoods and offices, along with eliminating stagnant water, using repellents, wearing full sleeve clothes and consulting a doctor if any symptoms appear, are essential to reduce the risk of infection.[xxxiv]While weather is not in our control, preventing water stagnation in and around our homes and keeping our surroundings clean certainly is. Families, schools, and communities must act before cases rise, as individual actions play a key role in protecting both households and the local community.
At the community level, resident welfare associations, neighbourhood groups, schools, and local authorities must work together to maintain clean shared spaces, improve waste management, and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
While vector control remains important, it is not sufficient on its own. WHO recommends integrated dengue prevention strategies including mosquito control, personal protection, community engagement, and vaccination in endemic areas.[xxxv] With no specific antiviral treatment available,[xxxvi] prevention remains the most effective way to reduce dengue related illness and hospitalisation. Individual actions, when practiced consistently, contribute to collective protection and help break the chain of transmission, reducing the risk of small clusters developing into larger outbreaks