Telangana records 1,054 dengue cases in 2024; Adults, pregnant women more at risk

Hyderabad: Telangana reported 1,054 dengue cases in 2024 (January to June), as per data published by the State government and the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC).

The number of infections among people in the 20-60 years age group is found to be high since they travel more than the other age groups and expose themselves to mosquito bites. In a few hospitals in Hyderabad, around 30 cases are being reported per week.

Complications in dengue range from rashes to bleeding

Dengue can be caused by four types of viruses namely DENV-1 (Dengue Virus), DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4 which can affect all age groups. A variety of complications develop in a patient after contracting the dengue virus, including headache, fever and rashes.

“Serious complications including bleeding complications including from the gums, intestines, lungs and liver in some situations. In some instances, people can suffer from damage to their lungs leading to severe breathing issues. Multiple organs including the brain and heart can also be affected at times,” Dr Hari Kishan said.

Such complications require admission to ICUs, forcing the patients to spend more on treatment.

Worst case scenario includes multiple organ failure

Though the percentage of hospitalisation and mortality is relatively low, people can develop complications from low platelet count including bleeding through the gums and intestines, breathing issues, damage to the liver, extensive damage to the lungs and multiple organ failure.

The preventive measures by different government bodies, including the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), are yet to reach the sections of the population. With the peak dengue season a good three months away, the worst is yet to come. 16 died from dengue this year so far

As per the NCVBDC, India recorded 19,447 dengue cases and 16 deaths till April 2024. The data for May and June are yet to be updated.

With the number of cases steadily increasing across the country, the Union Health Ministry held a high-level meeting to review the outbreak and take stock of the preparedness.

All the State governments are advised to initiate proactive measures to prevent vector-borne diseases, particularly dengue. The government of Telangana had earlier issued guidelines to prevent the spread of the disease.

Are the real numbers being suppressed?

With the state logging around 1,000 dengue cases in six months, an expert, on condition of anonymity, expressed doubt over the authenticity of the numbers. For the past several years, Telangana has recorded an average of 8,000 dengue cases per year.

“The public health department, hospitals and diagnostic centres have the actual number of dengue cases. But in the absence of any proper updates on a daily basis, these numbers are severely suppressed,” the expert said.

The GHMC on the other hand is claiming organising extensive preventive measures including anti-larval, fogging activities, surveillance and creating awareness in around 4,000 colonies.

Adults can be severely affected

Several studies have found that the infection rate is high among people in the 20 to 60 years age group due to their higher mobility. Dr Hari Kishan, a consultant physician at Kamineni Hospitals in Hyderabad said, “This age group travels to different places and is prone to more mosquito bites. The severity of the infection is high in the 20 to 40 years category.”

Pregnant women and people with comorbidities are more susceptible to complications. The complications of dengue vary from one patient to the other but are found to be severe among people with multiple comorbidities and pregnant women.

“Those with heart and kidney problems, chronic lung disease and heart issues are badly affected. But the mortality is usually less than 1 per cent with more than 95 per cent of patients recovering without any major complications,” Dr Hari Kishan said.

“There is a rise in the number of cases after the initial phase of the monsoon. We see around 20 cases per week. Young people without any health issues, most of them do not require any admission,” he added.

Only less than 10 per cent of the infected patients require admission between the 4th and 9th day of contracting the infection. Other patients require monitoring as outpatients.

Peak of dengue season yet to start

Even though dengue cases are detected almost all through a calendar year, the season peaks between October and November, as per experts.

The number of cases usually spikes during this period, resulting in the demand for a large quantity of platelets, since the platelet count falls drastically for patients.

More awareness required

The State governments and local bodies are carrying out different cleanliness campaigns in schools, residential areas and commercial areas. People are yet to completely understand the consequences of the complications from dengue.

“Most poor people cannot afford such money for treatment in case of complications. More awareness through available platforms including social media should be carried out to educate the people,” said Dr Madap Karuna, a paediatrician and researcher of dengue.