India: Dengue outbreaks worsen in south and west as of October 15

Event

Dengue outbreaks persist throughout India, particularly in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal states. As of October 15, over half of the nation’s 87,018 confirmed cases and 151 fatalities were found in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. West Bengal experienced the fourth largest outbreak with over 5000 cases and 13 related deaths. The outbreak in West Bengal has reportedly accelerated in recent weeks, leading to protests in Kolkata against the state’s health minister.

Context

Nearly 130,000 cases of dengue fever and 245 related deaths were confirmed in India in 2016, marking the first time every state reported a case.

Dengue fever is transmitted via the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms typically include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rash. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, the enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging. The disease is mostly found in urban and semi-urban areas. Be aware that aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen) should be avoided as these drugs may worsen bleeding issues associated with the diseases; patients may be given doses of acetaminophen (paracetamol).

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites - e.g. by wearing loose, covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping in a screened-in or in an air-conditioned room.