Dengue cases widespread in Chhattisgarh’s Raipur, health authorities in denial

In a concerning turn of events, Chhattisgarh’s capital city of Raipur has witnessed a sudden influx of dengue cases. As per a report by Nai Dunia, the city’s Ambedkar Hospital has seen 70 patients seeking treatment for dengue within a span of just 24 days. Reportedly, private hospitals in the city have also treated more than 100 patients, highlighting the magnitude of the outbreak. Despite this, the health department of the city has refused to acknowledge the numbers.

Dainik Bhaskar's report brings to light the official records of the department, as per which only four patients have tested positive for dengue so far. Due to this misrepresentation, the report suggests, that neither the Health Department, administration, nor the municipal corporation have taken any action towards the prevention of the disease, investigating the causes, or tracing the patients. Consequently, the tracing of patients has not also commenced.

Dainik Bhaskar's investigation of the patient's records at Ambedkar Hospital also suggests that most cases have been reported from the high population density areas of the city. However, officials are yet to take note of the development. 

Earlier, a report by the Times of India drew attention to rising dengue cases in the neighboring district of Durg. A total of 70 cases of dengue have been registered in Durg district till now.

Dengue and its transmission

Dengue (break-bone fever) is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates.

As per WHO, most people who get dengue do not show symptoms. But for those that do- high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash are the most common symptoms. Some people develop severe dengue and need care in a hospital. In severe cases, dengue can be fatal. 

Dengue is spread by mosquitoes that become infected by people who are viremic (Viremia is a medical term for viruses present in the bloodstream) with DENV. This can be someone who has a symptomatic dengue infection, or someone who is yet to have a symptomatic infection (pre-symptomatic). But, also people who show no signs of illness (asymptomatic).

Human-to-mosquito transmission can occur up to 2 days before someone shows symptoms of the illness, and up to 2 days after the fever has resolved.

As per WHO, urbanization (especially unplanned), is associated with increased dengue transmission. This is mainly a result of social and environmental factors such as population density, human mobility, access to reliable water sources, and water storage practices.

As per the data available on the National Centre for Vector-Borne Diseases Control portal, Chhattisgarh has 62 recorded cases of dengue till July 2023. This is antithetical to the local reports and the rising number of patients seeking treatment in the capital alone.

A total of 31,464 cases have been recorded country-wide. WHO stipulates that a community’s risks to dengue also depend on the population’s knowledge, attitude and practice towards dengue. Further, on the implementation of routine sustainable vector control activities in the community. This is clearly missing in the ongoing outbreak in Raipur. The situation demands urgent attention in the form of surveillance, case management, diagnosis, and dengue prevention measures.

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