This year, even before the monsoon season officially began, the situation regarding dengue fever, carried by Aedes mosquitoes, is showing alarming signs across the country. Everyday, countless people are rushing to hospitals due to dengue fever. Climate change, rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and unplanned urbanization are all contributing to the increased risk of dengue.
Dengue is not a new disease in our country; we've been combating it since 2000. However, its prevalence has increased in recent years. In 2023, over 300,000 people were infected, resulting in more than 17,000 deaths. This year, infections began rising as early as January. Previously, we believed dengue was a seasonal disease that peaked during the monsoon. That notion is now outdated; we are seeing cases throughout all seasons—winter and summer included. This August and September, however, have witnessed a sharp increase in cases.