Combat Dengue: Tips for Healthy Living in Monsoon Season

Dengue fever, a disease once associated with specific seasons, has now become a year-round threat due to climate change, particularly in regions like South Asia. The longer monsoon seasons, rising temperatures, and altered mosquito behaviors have shattered traditional understanding of dengue's seasonality, making it a constant danger. In November 2023, Bangladesh experienced its worst-ever dengue outbreak, deviating from the expected seasonal pattern. The severity of the situation was evident as hospitals were overwhelmed with patients and the death toll continued to rise.

Previously, dengue was linked to the monsoon season, between June and September, when stagnant water provided a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes, the carriers of the virus. However, these mosquitoes have now shifted towards the north, posing a threat to more European countries. Climate change has disrupted weather patterns, leading to longer and more intense monsoon rains across South Asia. In July 2023, the monsoon was 13 percent above the long-term average, exacerbating the dengue crisis. Countries like India and Pakistan have faced unexpected outbreaks due to changing environmental conditions.

The behavior of Aedes mosquitoes has adapted to global warming, breeding even in saline water and developing resistance to insecticides. The concept of seasonality has lost its meaning as temperatures rise and rainfall patterns become irregular. Dengue is no longer bound to a specific time frame but remains a constant threat throughout the year, increasing the risk of infection. To address this evolving threat, enhanced surveillance, research into vector control methods, public awareness campaigns, and global action to mitigate climate change are crucial.

Experts emphasize the need for prompt detection and response to outbreaks, evolving efforts to combat mosquito-borne diseases, and public participation in preventive measures. Eliminating stagnant water, using mosquito nets, and wearing protective clothing can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Climate change has transformed dengue into a year-round threat, challenging public health systems. Collective action through surveillance, vector control, public awareness, and climate mitigation efforts is essential to protect communities from dengue's impact and stem the tide of the disease.