BHUBANESHWAR, May 18 : Dengue is no longer a seasonal illness but has transformed into a rapidly escalating public health crisis, demanding year-round preparedness and a coordinated national strategy, leading health experts warned on National Dengue Day 2026.
Speaking at the National Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on “Dengue update 2026: Clinical Insights and Public Health Perspectives,” organized by the Department of General Medicine at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, experts from across India emphasized that the country’s dengue burden is becoming increasingly alarming due to climate variability, rapid urbanization, population density, international travel, and the growing adaptability of mosquito vectors.
They noted that these changing epidemiological patterns are significantly expanding dengue transmission globally, with India facing heightened vulnerability because of its climatic conditions and dense urban settlements.
Experts stressed that tackling dengue now requires robust surveillance systems, early outbreak detection mechanisms, strong laboratory support, and sustained public health interventions.
AIIMS Bhubaneswar Executive Director and CEO, Professor (Dr.) Ashutosh Biswas, underscored the urgent need for an integrated response involving clinicians, epidemiologists, researchers, policymakers, administrators, and communities.
He stated that dengue continues to pose a major challenge because of the absence of specific antiviral treatment and the unpredictable progression of severe cases.
Dr. Biswas highlighted timely diagnosis, standardized treatment protocols, and continuous capacity building among healthcare professionals as critical priorities.
He also emphasized the vital role of premier institutions like AIIMS Bhubaneswar in combining clinical excellence with public awareness and scientific research.
Professor (Dr.) Rashmi Ranjan Mohanty from the Department of Medicine and Chairperson of the Organizing Committee highlighted the importance of continuous medical education in equipping clinicians with updated knowledge on evolving diagnostic and management strategies for dengue care.
Former WHO Regional Advisor and globally recognized epidemiologist Dr. A. P. Dash delivered a comprehensive overview of the global dengue landscape, discussing shifting disease patterns, the rise of severe dengue, and growing international concerns over arboviral diseases.
Dr. Sanghamitra Pati, Director of RMRC Bhubaneswar and Additional Director General of ICMR, emphasized strengthening disease surveillance, advancing research collaborations, and implementing community-centered healthcare strategies to address vector-borne diseases effectively.
She stressed that evidence-based policymaking and preparedness are essential to reducing dengue-related risks.
Additional Director of Health Services and Odisha’s State Programme Officer for the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, Dr. Subhashish Mohanty, presented insights into the changing dengue epidemiology in Odisha and Eastern India, highlighting regional challenges and the need for localized interventions.
Throughout the day-long scientific event, experts collectively called for climate-sensitive surveillance systems, stronger primary healthcare infrastructure, improved laboratory capacity, and interdisciplinary research collaboration to address the disease comprehensively.
A major highlight of the National Dengue Day observance was a large-scale public awareness campaign conducted at the AIIMS Bhubaneswar OPD, where faculty members, doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers educated patients and visitors about dengue symptoms, warning signs, mosquito breeding prevention, and the importance of early medical attention.
Educational leaflets were also distributed to raise awareness about Aedes mosquito breeding habits, personal protection measures, and community participation in dengue prevention.
The experts concluded that only a sustained, multi-sectoral, and proactive approach can effectively contain India’s growing dengue threat and prevent future outbreaks.
(UNI)
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