Lok Sabha Question No. 1495 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-28
Subject: Cases of Dengue Fever
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Suresh Kodikunnil

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1495 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2023

## CASES OF DENGUE FEVER

## 1495: SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the reports stating an increase in the cases of dengue fever in Kerala and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether any report has been sought by the Union Government from the State Government of Kerala in this regard and if so, the details thereof;
- (c ) whether the Government has observed a decrease in immunity among people by use of over the counter medicines for fever and cases being inaccurately diagnosed leading to critical condition among patients who are left untreated; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (PROF. SATYA PAL SINGH BAGHEL)

- (a) Kerala has reported an increase in number of Dengue cases as compared to previous years' figures till 31 st July as indicated below:

| Years        |   2020 |   2021 |   2022 |   2023 (as on 20.07.2023) |
|--------------|--------|--------|--------|---------------------------|
| Dengue cases |   3665 |   2062 |   2158 |                      5479 |

The situation has been reviewed virtually by Hon'ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare with the State Health Ministers, including Kerala, on 30 th June, 2023; by Director General of Health Services (DGHS) with State health officials on 13 th July, 2023 and by National Center for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) on 21 st July 2023.

Government of India, monitors the disease situation through the reports submitted by the States/UTs. Technical guidance is provided to the States/UTs based on the disease situation.

- (b) The State of Kerala was requested to furnish a comprehensive report detailing their efforts to tackle the prevailing disease situation. As per the report received, the key initiatives implemented by the State are as follows:
- (i) The State Health Department has been conducting periodic reviews involving its officers, with a special focus on the districts most affected.

(ii) The State Health Minister and State Revenue Minister have held meetings with District Collectors to discuss strategies for disease control emphasizing on the importance of Integrated Vector Management and source reduction activities, particularly in hot spot areas.

(iii) To ensure timely reporting and adherence to treatment protocols, the private sector was directed to follow specific guidelines.

(iv) The Local Self Government Department was tasked with effectively managing source reduction activities in plantations, working closely with the owners.

(v) The State Health Minister convened a meeting with representatives from the private sector, including the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), along with Medical Colleges to emphasize on following standard protocols for treatment and referral, promoting a unified approach to disease management.

In addition to these efforts, the State informed that they conduct specialized training for doctors on case management besides ensuring an adequate stock of insecticides and equipment, and carrying out an intensified Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign to raise awareness about disease prevention and management.

(c) and (d) No such report has been received regarding decrease in immunity among people by use of over-the-counter medicines for fever. Government of India has identified 38 Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals, with laboratory facilities, in Kerala and test kits are provided for free testing of Dengue. Government of India provides National Guidelines for Clinical Management of Dengue fever to all States, including Kerala. Funds are also provisioned for State under NHM for training of doctors on case management, utilizing the services of Master Trainers trained at the National level. No such report has been received about inaccurately diagnosed cases leading to critical condition among patients who are left untreated.

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