NEW DELHI — Adopting cleanliness, checking mosquito breeding sites, and
spreading awareness are key measures to curb the spread of dengue, said Union
Health Minister JP Nadda on National Dengue Day on Friday.
In a bid to promote awareness about dengue, the Ministry
of Health had designated May 16 as 'National Dengue Day' in 2010. This year’s
theme is “Check, Clean, Cover: Steps to Defeat Dengue”.
“The theme emphasises the importance of regularly
checking for mosquito breeding sites, cleaning surroundings, and covering water
containers to prevent the spread of dengue,” Nadda said in a post on social
media platform X.
Calling dengue a "pressing public health
challenge", he urged for active public participation to "raise
awareness and educate people about prevention and early diagnosis”.
“With the active participation of communities, health
workers, and local bodies, we can significantly reduce the spread of dengue and
protect public health,” the Union Minister said.
As per data from 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.
"Let us all take a pledge that by adopting
cleanliness and spreading public awareness, we will protect our family and
society from a serious disease like dengue. Prevention is the only protection
against dengue. Clean India, Healthy India – this is the foundation of a
dengue-free India!” said Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare
Anupriya Patel on X.
Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav also urged people to
“maintain cleanliness, do not allow water to accumulate, and wear full-sleeved
clothes”.
Dengue is caused by a virus spread by Aedes mosquitoes.
These mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid climates.
Increasing climate changes are fuelling more breeding
sites of dengue in India. States like Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh
have started seeing regular outbreaks a sign that the traditional “dengue belt”
is expanding.
A recent study published in The Lancet warned that
climate-sensitive diseases like dengue are likely to rise significantly,
especially in South Asia, if countries do not act urgently.
Dr. Praveen Gupta, a noted neurologist at a
Gurugram-based hospital, emphasised that dengue’s nationwide spread, amplified
by climate change, brings not just fever but serious neurological risks like
encephalitis, seizures, and Guillain-Barre 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,” Gupta said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health highlighted measures
such as sleeping under a mosquito net, using mesh on windows and doors, for
avoiding mosquito bites and dengue.
“If you see symptoms of dengue, do not be careless, it
can be fatal. Get a blood test done immediately and consult a doctor. Take rest
during the fever and drink plenty of fluids. Dengue testing is available free
of cost in designated government hospitals,” the Ministry said, on X.
