30-Fold Rise in Dengue Cases Over the Past 50 Years Worldwide: Indian Health Ministry

In 2013, India has contributed about 19% of the total dengue cases in the South East Asian Region(SEAR). Minister of state for Health Shripad Naik informed that worldwide dengue incidence has risen 30-fold over the past 50 years. "As per the World Health Organization (WHO) data for SEAR of which India is also a member country, out of the total dengue cases of the region, India contributed 11% in 2011, 20% in 2012 and 19% in 2013," said Naik.

As per the data furnished in the Upper House, out of the total 39,89,35 dengue cases in SEAR in 2013, 75,808 cases were from India.

He said that the government has approved a plan by committee of secretaries which has been sent to states for implementation for prevention and control of the disease. The new national guidelines for clinical management of dengue fever has been developed and shared with different states.

He said that the number of Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals (SSH) with laboratory support has been increased to 499 across the country while test kits are provided to these institutes through National Institute of Virology (Pune) free of cost.

The Minister said that the government also issues regular advisories to the states and in 2015, advisories were issued from Union Health Minister to all Chief Ministers, union health secretary to all chief secretaries and DGHS to all state health secretaries. Periodic reviews too are conducted by the Ministry to take stock of preparedness and respond to emergency situations.

Source-PTI