Dengue Cases Drop Significantly in Gujarat

Gandhinagar : Gujarat has witnessed a significant decline in dengue cases in 2024, bringing relief to residents and health authorities. The proactive measures taken by the state government, combined with public awareness and intensive treatment efforts, have been instrumental in achieving this milestone.

Dengue, a common seasonal and water-borne disease during the monsoon and winter seasons, has been a recurring health challenge in the state. However, compared to 2023, the state has successfully reduced the positivity rate of dengue cases in 2024.

Improved Testing and Declining Positivity Rates

In 2023, Gujarat conducted 1,49,844 serum sample tests for dengue diagnosis, identifying 7,088 positive cases with a seropositivity rate of 4.7%. In 2024, the number of serum samples tested increased significantly to 2,21,358, of which 7,820 were found positive. Despite a slight rise in the number of positive cases, the positivity rate dropped to 3.5%, indicating progress in controlling the disease.

This achievement is credited to the state government’s proactive approach. The government procured 1,700 dengue NS1 test kits, enabling rapid diagnosis for 1,63,200 tests, and distributed them across diagnostic centers. Additionally, 611 dengue IgM kits, capable of conducting 58,656 tests, were received from the Government of India and allocated to various centers.

Comprehensive Prevention and Control Measures

Gujarat implemented several campaigns targeting disease prevention and control. House-to-house fever surveys, anti-larval operations, and public awareness drives were conducted in April, May, and September, covering 86%, 89%, and 92% of the population, respectively.

During the monsoon, 492 vector control teams, comprising 2,460 personnel, carried out intensive pest control operations in sensitive areas. As a result, the state saw a consistent decline in dengue cases during the 47th to 51st weeks of the year, particularly in the 50th and 51st weeks.

To strengthen clinical management, 1,139 specialists across Gujarat were trained on advanced dengue management techniques. Additionally, serum samples and mosquito specimens were sent to B.J. Medical College and the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) in Gandhinagar to identify dengue serotypes. This information guided targeted prevention and control measures.

Adequate Resources and Timely Interventions

The state ensured the timely availability of essential resources, including larvicides and adulticides, at all levels. Weekly pest control operations in municipal and district areas further complemented disease prevention efforts.