Dengue fever is a serious viral infection that spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Every year, cases rise sharply during the monsoon season due to stagnant water and increased mosquito breeding. This year is no different—Hyderabad has seen a steady rise in dengue cases, raising concern across the city.
🦟 Dengue Situation in Hyderabad
In recent weeks, the city has recorded a notable increase in dengue cases. Health officials confirmed that over 240 cases have been reported since January. Alarmingly, 42 new cases were documented in the last two weeks alone, and 10 fresh cases were added in just the past two days.
This sudden spike is linked to increased mosquito breeding in rainwater-filled areas. As a result, health teams have launched fever surveys and awareness programs in high-risk zones.
👥 Who Is Most at Risk?
While dengue can affect anyone, certain groups are more vulnerable to severe symptoms and complications.
🧒 Children
Children have weaker immune systems, which makes it harder for them to fight the virus. Often, they may not express their discomfort clearly, which delays diagnosis.
👵 Elderly People
In older adults, immunity naturally declines with age. Those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease face an even higher risk of complications.
🤰 Pregnant Women
Dengue during pregnancy can be risky for both mother and baby. It may increase the chances of preterm delivery or complications during birth.
🧍 Adults in Outdoor Work
People who work outdoors or live in mosquito-prone areas are at higher risk of frequent bites, especially in the early morning and late evening when mosquitoes are most active.
⚠️ Common Symptoms of Dengue
Symptoms of dengue usually begin 4 to 10 days after the mosquito bite. They often appear suddenly and can last for about a week.
Early Symptoms:
- High fever (up to 104°F)
- Severe headache (especially behind the eyes)
- Pain in muscles, joints, and bones
- Nausea or vomiting
- Skin rash (appears 2–5 days after fever starts)
- Mild bleeding (gums or nose)
Severe Symptoms (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever or Shock Syndrome):
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vomiting with blood or black stools
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
- Bleeding under the skin or gums
- Weakness, confusion, or fainting spells
If any of these signs appear, it’s critical to seek immediate medical care to prevent life-threatening complications.
🌧️ Why Dengue Cases Spreading more in this Monsoon Season
The monsoon season provides the perfect conditions for mosquito breeding. Clean water collects in buckets, flower pots, old tires, and even bottle caps. These places become ideal homes for Aedes mosquitoes, which lay their eggs in stagnant water.
Furthermore, poor drainage systems and water storage practices make the problem worse, especially in densely populated areas of Hyderabad.
🛡️ Precautions to Take During Monsoon
To protect yourself and your loved ones from dengue, take these steps regularly—especially during the rainy season:
✅ At Home:
- Empty and scrub water containers every two days
- Keep overhead tanks and water drums tightly closed
- Use mosquito repellents, coils, or plug-in vaporizers
- Don’t let water collect in flower pots, coolers, tires, or garbage
✅ Personal Protection:
- Wear full-sleeved clothing and long pants
- Apply mosquito repellent creams during the day, especially on exposed skin
- Use mosquito nets while sleeping, especially for babies and elderly people
✅ In Your Community:
- Participate in neighborhood clean-up drives
- Report any open drains or water collection spots to local authorities
- Encourage fogging in mosquito-dense areas
✅ Nutrition & Immunity:
- Stay hydrated with clean water, ORS, or coconut water
- Eat fruits rich in Vitamin C (like oranges, guava)
- Use papaya leaf extract if advised by a doctor to support platelet levels
🧪 How to Test for Dengue
If symptoms appear, consult a doctor immediately. Early diagnosis helps in better recovery and avoiding complications. The common tests include:
- NS1 Antigen Test – Detects dengue in the early stage
- IgM/IgG Antibody Test – Identifies current or past infection
- CBC (Complete Blood Count) – Checks platelet levels and white blood cells
🏥 When to Visit a Hospital
Don’t delay medical attention if you or someone in your family experiences:
- Continuous fever beyond 2 days
- Sudden weakness or dizziness
- Bleeding gums or bruises without injury
- Severe stomach pain or blood in vomit/stool
Early treatment can prevent complications like Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), which are life-threatening.
✅ Conclusion: Protect Yourself from Dengue
- Over 240 dengue cases reported in Hyderabad so far
- Children, elderly, and people with weak immunity are at higher risk
- Take precautions during monsoon: clean water storage, use repellents, wear protective clothes
- Watch for early symptoms and seek medical help without delay
- Early testing and treatment can help prevent serious outcomes
By staying alert and acting early, you can protect your family and help reduce the spread of dengue this monsoon season.