Dengue crisis: Where are governments faltering?

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection, wreaks havoc every monsoon, with cases surging year after year.

Despite efforts, the situation remains grim. In 2024, Telangana reported about 1,000 cases as of 8 July.

Karnataka recorded 7,547 cases with seven deaths, and Kerala reported 8,225 confirmed cases, approximately 24,000 suspected cases, 22 confirmed deaths, and 54 suspected deaths.

This webinar explores whether the current scenario is now an annual expectation, questions the preparedness of southern states, and discusses new prevention strategies and changes in clinical practices.

People often go wrong with self-medication or alternate treatments, which can be dangerous and exacerbate the problem. Unsupervised use of home remedies or over-the-counter drugs can lead to complications and hinder proper treatment.

South First speaks with renowned doctors working on dengue prevention and treatment:

Dr C N Manjunath, former director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiac Sciences and newly elected MP from Bengaluru Rural.

Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, chairman of the research cell of the Kerala State Indian Medical Association and Public Health Advisory Panel member.

Dr Sivaranjani Santosh, a renowned pediatrician spreading awareness on dengue via YouTube.

Dr Vijayalakshmi Balakrishnan, senior consultant in infectious diseases at SIMS Hospitals, Chennai.

Dr Madap Karuna, paediatrician, Secunderabad