Hyderabad: Doctors in Hyderabad are now witnessing a steady rise in dengue cases, particularly from apartment communities, raising concerns that the coming weeks could see a sharper increase if preventive measures are not intensified.

230 dengue cases in Telangana till Feb

According to data from the National Centre for Vector-Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC), India recorded 6,927 dengue cases and 10 deaths till February 28. 

Meanwhile, in Telangana, there are 230 dengue cases in the same period with zero deaths reported.

Doctors noticing an increase in cases

While these figures represent only the early part of the dengue season, clinicians say patients with dengue-like symptoms have started reporting in greater numbers over the past few weeks. The doctors say they are seeing more patients presenting with dengue symptoms, especially high fevers and headaches. 

The delayed onset, experts say, is likely linked to changing environmental conditions and the late arrival of favourable breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

“Traditionally, dengue cases begin rising in June, peak between July and October, and gradually decline by November. This year, however, the season started a few weeks late. We are already seeing multiple cases emerging from the same apartment communities, which means there is still an opportunity to intervene early and prevent a larger outbreak,” said Dr Karuna Mandap, senior paediatrician at Sandesh Clinic, Hyderabad, and an Expert Panel Member of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), which has led national dengue awareness and prevention campaigns.

What should be done to prevent dengue?

Dr Mandap said dengue control should begin long before hospitals start filling up.

“Once one dengue case is reported from a locality, surveillance should immediately begin. Nearby houses should be inspected for mosquito breeding, stagnant water should be removed, fogging should be carried out where necessary, and residents must be educated about preventing mosquito breeding. Acting during the early phase of an outbreak can stop many future infections,” the doctor said.

She explained that Aedes mosquitoes usually breed within about 100 meters of where a patient lives, making neighbourhood-level intervention especially effective.

“This is why we often see several cases emerging from the same apartment complex, school or colony,” she added.

Communities play the biggest role

Dr Mandap stressed that dengue prevention cannot be left to government agencies alone.

“One of the biggest myths is that dengue prevention is entirely the government’s responsibility. Mosquitoes breed inside our homes, balconies, coolers, flowerpots, buckets and discarded containers. Every family has a responsibility to remove stagnant water every week and protect themselves from mosquito bites,” she said.

Schools and apartments need greater vigilance

With schools reopened and apartment complexes reporting multiple cases, experts believe institutions should step up preventive measures.

Weekly inspections for stagnant water, scheduled fogging when children are not present, awareness campaigns, and encouraging children to wear full-sleeved clothing during mosquito hours could significantly reduce transmission, Dr Mandap said.

She added that local surveillance teams should respond immediately whenever a confirmed dengue case is reported to prevent further spread within the same locality.

Recognise symptoms early

Doctors advise people to seek medical attention if they develop:

- High fever

- Severe headache

- Pain behind the eyes

- Muscle and joint pain

- Skin rash

- Nausea or vomiting

Quick action can prevent severe disease

Although only a small proportion of dengue patients develop severe illness, timely diagnosis and treatment can be lifesaving.

“Only around five per cent of dengue patients develop severe disease, but recognising warning signs early and reaching the right hospital without delay can prevent deaths,” Dr Mandap said.

With the monsoon expected to continue over the coming months, health experts say the next few weeks will determine whether localised infections remain under control or develop into larger outbreaks.