Q6(a). What is Dengue Fever and highlight its causes and consequences in India.

“Vector-borne diseases mirror the health of our environment.” -WHO

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the Dengue virus (DEN-1 to DEN-4) and transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It is classified as a major global public health threat by WHO.

Causes of Dengue Spread in India

1. Climatic Factors

• Rising temperatures and long monsoons create ideal breeding conditions.
• The Lancet Countdown 2023 reports a 30–40% rise in India’s climate suitability for dengue transmission.

2. Urbanisation & Water Logging

Unplanned urban growth, stagnant water, poor drainage, and construction sites increase mosquito breeding.

3. Weak Waste Management

Garbage accumulation and plastic containers allow rainwater stagnation.

4. High Human Mobility

Migration and urban crowding increase transmission.

5. Lack of Vector Surveillance

Irregular fogging, limited entomological monitoring and poor community awareness worsen outbreaks.

Consequences of Dengue in India

1. Rising Disease Burden

India accounts for ~34% of global dengue cases (WHO). Frequent outbreaks in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Lucknow and Gurugram–Faridabad (Haryana) increase seasonal morbidity.

2. Economic and Social Impact

• Household treatment expenditure is high; one dengue episode can cost ₹10,000–₹60,000.
• Workplace and school absenteeism disrupts productivity.

3. Severe Health Complications

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever and Shock Syndrome may cause organ failure, internal bleeding and death.

4. Burden on Public Health System

Hospitals face peak-season overload; beds, platelets, and diagnostics fall short.

Dengue is a climate-sensitive disease requiring integrated vector control, sanitation improvement, early diagnosis, and community participation for long-term prevention.