Dengue Challenge Grows for City: Study

Hyderabad: Hyderabad’s battle with dengue fever has intensified, with positivity rates soaring from 2.49 per cent in 2015 to 29.23 per cent by 2018.

These findings from a study titled ‘Epidemiological Analysis of Dengue Fever’ in Hyderabad 2015-2018 highlight the growing challenge: fever tests are being conducted, yet the virus is spreading more aggressively.

In four years, confirmed cases rose from 22 in 2015 to 145 in 2018. Testing at the Institute of Preventive Medicine (IPM) dropped from 883 in 2015 to 496 in 2018, yet positivity rates surged.

Fever Hospital saw 528 admissions in 2016 — the highest during the study — before dropping to 177 in 2018. This decline might reflect better community management of mild cases rather than a reduction in infections.

No fatalities were reported during the study, which was led by Muttineni Radhakrishna of Osmania University, credited to effective clinical management and awareness campaigns. However, the underlying factors driving dengue transmission remain unresolved.

The study attributed the crisis to rapid urbanisation, poor drainage systems, stagnant water, and seasonal rains, creating ideal breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes. Environmental and socio-economic conditions, particularly in densely populated areas, have worsened the situation.

“Nearly one in three people tested in 2018 turned out positive. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a wake-up call,” the study cautioned, emphasising the need for better public health measures.

The study remains relevant today, with Hyderabad’s continued urban sprawl and rising dengue cases across India and said that authorities must focus on prevention, including eliminating mosquito breeding sites, improving waste management, and raising awareness.

For residents, the message is simple: avoid stagnant water, keep surroundings clean, and use protective measures like mosquito nets. While healthcare systems have improved, tackling the root causes of dengue remains critical.