Union Health Secretary Urges Vigilance in Dengue Outbreak Management

Union Health Secretary Shri Apurva Chandra chaired a high-level inter-ministerial meeting today to address dengue management and preparedness, focusing on nine high-burden states and municipal corporations. The meeting was held in hybrid mode, with participation from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and officials from Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Increased Cases: Shri Apurva Chandra highlighted a significant rise in dengue cases, with the number of cases as of July 31, 2024, nearly 50% higher compared to the same period last year. The peak season typically spans August to November.

Historical Trends: Despite an increase in cases over the past four years, the Dengue Case Fatality Rate has decreased from 3.3% in 1996 to 0.17% in 2023 due to focused and collaborative efforts.

Preparation and Collaboration: The Health Secretary urged states and municipalities to prepare for the upcoming peak by enhancing hospital management, identifying hot spots, and increasing vector surveillance. He emphasized the need for effective public health measures and called for collaboration between the Health Ministry and MoHUA to develop a Joint Action Plan.

Support for States: Shri Chandra assured support to states for combating dengue and encouraged them to submit proposals for any additional assistance required.

Public Health Measures: The Health Ministry has implemented various strategies including:

Surveillance: Disease and entomological surveillance.

Case Management: Lab diagnosis and clinical management.

Vector Management: Environmental management, source reduction, and chemical control.

Outbreak Response: Epidemic preparedness and media management.

Capacity Building: Training and operational research.

Behavior Change Communication: Social mobilization and IEC activities.

Inter-Sectoral Coordination: Collaboration with multiple ministries.

Monitoring and Supervision: Analysis of reports and field visits.

Recent Initiatives: Key initiatives include:

Increase in Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals from 110 in 2007 to 848 in 2024.

Release of updated National Guidelines for Case Management on August 10, 2023.

Training of master trainers from medical colleges and district hospitals on updated guidelines.

The meeting underscored the importance of timely and effective management of dengue outbreaks, highlighting the need for a coordinated approach among various stakeholders to mitigate the impact and manage the spread of the disease.