Dengue on the Rise 2022-2023: A Warning for Southern Asia

Dengue is endemic to most parts of Southern Asia, however a rapid rise and surge in cases have been noted across four regions simultaneously, namely: India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan. All 4 serotypes (DENV-1,DENV-2,DENV-3 and DENV-4) are known to exist and circulate within the 4 regions. Based on epidemiological records the DENV-1 and DENV-2 serotypes have traditionally been the most incriminated serovars in terms of national disease burden. Since the beginning of January 2022 up until the 28th of September 2022 over 28000 cases of confirmed and suspected cases of dengue fever have been reported to the WHO with a total of 38 deaths being documented across all of Nepal’s provinces. The province most adversely affected is the Bagmati province which accounts for 78.2% of the cases and 68.4% of the fatalities noted in Nepal. A further rise in cases has been noted as of the 8th of August 2022. This dengue outbreak is the largest recorded outbreak within the small mountainous regions recent history. India like Nepal, has recorded an upsurge in cases with a total of 63 280 dengue cases being recorded as of the 30th of September 2022 and an additional 20 000 cases occurring in the month of October 2022. A total of 52 807 laboratory confirmed cases and 230 deaths as of the 20th of November 2022 have been recorded and reported in a statement by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh. Pakistan has experienced an increase of the transmission of Dengue with a total of 25 932 confirmed cases and 62 deaths being recorded as of the 27th of September 2022.

Due to the treatment of the disease being predominantly supportive, the prevention of the spread through enhanced and improved vector control and elimination is recommended. The use of eradication programs, impregnated mosquito nets, larvicidal and chromosomal manipulation therapies are the most effective methods to aid and abet the control of this deadly virus.