Dengue, Chikungunya cases surge in MP, straining healthcare system

Madhya Pradesh is reporting a sharp rise in both dengue and chikungunya cases. This twin outbreak exposes serious gaps in the state’s disease prevention efforts and is straining its healthcare system.

According to the latest data from the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), Madhya Pradesh has recorded 122 dengue and 113 Chikungunya cases till March 31, 2025. These figures are particularly worrying compared to the pattern so far related to these diseases. The 113 Chikungunya cases reported in the first quarter of 2025 have already reached 85% of the total cases (133) of 2020.

The state is rapidly closing in on annual totals from recent years—50% of 2021 (397 cases), 2022 (399), and 2023 (315). In 2024, the state saw 1,321 chikungunya cases, a fourfold jump from 2023 and the second-highest since 2018’s 1,609 cases. Media reports suggest around half of chikungunya patients may be suffering from co-infections.

The scale of the problem became clear in 2024 when Madhya Pradesh recorded 1,321 confirmed chikungunya cases. This was a fourfold increase from 2023’s 315 cases, making it the second-largest outbreak after the 2018 peak of 1,609 cases. Media reports suggest that about 50% of chikungunya cases may be instances of co-infection, meaning patients may have more than one viral disease at the same time.

Hidden costs of chikungunya

While dengue often draws more attention because of its higher mortality rate, chikungunya poses serious challenges of its own. Its long recovery period places a heavy economic burden on patients and their families, going beyond just medical costs.

Many patients are forced to take extended time off work, leading to lost income and reduced productivity. These effects ripple through society, impacting entire communities. Even after the infection clears, post-recovery symptoms can limit patients’ ability to work or carry out daily tasks.

Speaking to Ground Report, Bhopal's Chief Medical and Health Officer, Dr. Prabhakar Tiwari said the sharp rise in dengue and chikungunya cases reflects a deeper issue that cannot be solved by government efforts alone.

“First of all, if you look at dengue and chikungunya, the mosquitoes responsible for these diseases are indoor carriers. That’s a very important difference,” he explained. “Fogging outside can help control malaria mosquitoes, but dengue and chikungunya need attention inside homes. And that’s where the biggest responsibility lies—with the public.”

He stressed that simply relying on municipal fogging won’t solve the problem. “People need to be more aware and take responsibility for their own homes. Local bodies can do outdoor fogging and sanitation, but if people allow water to collect in containers inside their homes, we can’t stop the spread,” he said.

Dr. Tiwari said government agencies are not inactive. “The local bodies, administration, health department, ICDS, and municipal councils are all working together. Everyone is doing their part. And if anyone falls ill, treatment is freely available—whether at a primary health center or a medical college. Our health system is ready and has all the necessary facilities.”

He added that preventing mosquito breeding at home is crucial. “These mosquitoes don’t travel far. They usually stay within 50 meters of where they hatch. That means each household is its own frontline. If people keep their homes and surroundings clean, as promoted under the Swachh Bharat Mission, we can significantly reduce cases.”

On the state’s preparedness for the upcoming rainy season, he outlined a specific action plan. “June is being observed as Malaria Month. We’ve planned awareness drives across urban and rural areas. We’ll conduct inter-departmental meetings to ensure coordination among teams, and we’ll launch targeted campaigns in hotspot areas based on last year’s data,” he said.

“All these activities will begin in June itself so that by the time the rains arrive in July, we are fully prepared. Prevention is our priority. We want to minimise outbreaks before they start,” he added.

Testing in question

Compared to neighbouring states, the situation in Madhya Pradesh looks even more worrying. While Madhya Pradesh reported 1,321 chikungunya cases in 2024, Maharashtra reported 5,854 confirmed cases and Karnataka 2,954. However, these figures must be understood in the context of testing capabilities.

The testing data reveal a significant disparity that suggests Madhya Pradesh may be under-reporting cases due to limited surveillance. Maharashtra conducted 57,509 tests for chikungunya in 2024, while Karnataka conducted 78,217 tests. In contrast, Madhya Pradesh completed only 13,677 tests.

However, an analysis of chikungunya cases in recent years reveals a disturbing pattern of fluctuations in Madhya Pradesh. After reaching a peak of 1,609 cases in 2018, the number dropped to just 133 cases in 2020. However, this decline appears to be temporary, with cases slowly rising again in subsequent years.

The state now urgently needs to strengthen its vector control strategies, expand testing capabilities, and improve healthcare interventions to tackle this growing public health emergency.

Support us to keep independent environmental journalism alive in India.

Keep Reading

Madhya Pradesh sees 66 forest fires daily; AI tracks, action still lags 

Indore’s Ramsar site Sirpur has an STP constructed almost on the lake 

Indore Reviving Historic Lakes to Combat Water Crisis, Hurdles Remain

Indore’s residential society saves Rs 5 lakh a month, through rainwater harvesting

Follow Ground Report on X, Instagram and Facebook for environmental and underreported stories from the margins. Give us feedback on our email id [email protected]. 

Don't forget to Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, Join our community on WhatsApp, and Follow our YouTube Channel for video stories.