Dengue: Facts, Stats and Trends, in India
The number of dengue related cases in India have increased alarmingly in the past.
The Aedes mosquito sitting on the human skin, Credits: Flickr
Introduction
Dengue is a mosquito transmitted disease that poses a global danger to public health. In different tropical and subtropical regions, the dengue virus is a major arbovirus. Along with the increase in the number of cases and its severity, there has been a shift in the geographical range of this disease.
From only being restricted to urban areas it has now started affecting rural citizens as well. Unorganized urbanization, drastic environmental changes, host–pathogen interactions are few factors that are known to have increased its spread in the country. Inadequate vector control measures can also be blamed for this.
Facts
Dengue can be fatal if not diagnosed and cared for at the correct time.
Here are some interesting facts on dengue fever:
Symptoms of dengue fever are those of any other flu
Dengue initially causes symptoms just like those of common flu.
After 5 to 10 days from the bite of the aedes mosquito, true symptoms occur.
No medicine to treat this fever
Keeping the body hydrated and getting enough rest are the only known ways to treat yourselves from dengue quickly.
A vaccine for dengue fever exists
Vaccination for dengue fever is available, Credits: Health.mil
To fight dengue antigens, a vaccine named Sanofi Pasteur, developed by an international pharmaceutical company can be used.
It is a vector-borne disease
The Aedes aegypti mosquito breeds in the daytime. A bite by this mosquito causes the dengue fever. Its favourite spot being below the elbow and knee.
This mosquito breeds in a specific environment
The Aedes mosquito is known to breed in tropical and coastal areas that have high moisture content in the air.
Dengue fever is not contagious
Just the Aedes mosquito bite and not the touch with an infected individual will make it transmit.
Dengue can get fatal
Dengue can even lead to death if symptoms are not taken care of in time.
Mosquitos are attracted to obese people
People who are overweight tend to attract more mosquitos as they exhale a lot of carbon-di-oxide.
Platelet count in humans is between 150,000- 350,000
Having a good platelet count helps you to recover quicker from injuries and also helps to prevent problems like anaemia.
Coconut water is the best way to keep body hydrated when infected with dengue
Coconut water helps to replace all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients in the body that are lost when a person is diagnosed with dengue.
Right medication, rest, and a healthy diet help for fast recovery.
To increase body strength and immunity a diet with fruits, vegetables is necessary to replace all that has been lost.
Consuming coconut water can do great benefits to the body, Credits: Wikipedia
Statistics and Trends
In 2017, India registered about a decade with the largest number of cases of dengue and deaths. This showed a 300% increase in the number of cases since 2009.
India recorded about 60000 dengue cases in the year 2009 and with a hike of 300%, the number of cases in 2017 went up to 188,401.
When compared to the numbers in 2013, with a total of around 75,808 cases there existed a spike of more than 250%.
The maximum cases have been noted in north-eastern and southern states, where the climate is more humid due to the coast.
The most significant percentage jump was observed by Sikkim, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Tripura, with the most southern states shared the greatest burden. Together, these four states have reported approximately 66,057 cases, about 40% of all recorded national cases.
Around 1500% to 1700% grew in cases between 2013 and 2017 in North-East states like Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura. Delhi, even during this time, our capital city has doubled its dengue cases.
Even in 2018, the situation did not become less concerning.
As of June, the country recorded 9,143 cases, with three monsoon months yet to hit.
In 2019, the southern states again were the worst hit by dengue fever.