National Dengue Day is annually observed across India on 16th May to create awareness about Dengue, a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
The day also aims to increase the preventive measure and preparedness for the control of dengue in India.
Background:
National Dengue Day is an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare(MoH&FW) , Government of India which aims to create awareness about dengue and its preventive methods.
About Dengue:
i.The virus responsible for causing dengue is called dengue virus (viz DENV, 1–4 serotypes DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4). It is transmitted by female mosquitoes mainly of the species Aedes aegypti infected with any one of the four dengue viruses.
ii.Aedes aegypti mosquito, also known as the yellow fever mosquito, is responsible for spreading dengue fever, yellow fever viruses, Zika fever, chikungunya and Mayaro.
iii.Dengue occurs in two forms: Dengue Fever and Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF). DHF is a more severe form of the disease, which may cause death.
Prevention and control:
No drug or vaccine is available for the treatment of Dengue or DHF, therefore control of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito is the only method of choice,
Key Points:
As per the data of the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, 193245 cases and 306 deaths have been reported in India in 2021.
About National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC):
NCVBDC is under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
NCVBDC is the central nodal agency for the prevention and control of six vector-borne diseases (VBDs).
Director– Dr Tanu Jain
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
