Pune Faces Worst Vector-Borne Disease Outbreak in 2024
Pune has recorded its highest-ever incidence of vector-borne diseases in 2024, with a significant rise in dengue, chikungunya, Zika virus, and malaria cases. According to data from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the city has seen a total of 382 confirmed cases of dengue, 485 cases of chikungunya, 109 cases of Zika virus, and 21 cases of malaria. Despite ongoing efforts to contain the Zika virus, the city experienced a consistent spike in cases, demonstrating the significant public health challenges posed by these diseases.
Dengue cases, in particular, have been closely monitored using ELISA tests. The PMC recorded confirmed dengue cases only through IgM ELISA and NS1-ELISA tests, while cases identified via the non-ELISA NS1 antigen test were classified as suspected. With over 380 dengue cases, the city has seen a sharp increase compared to previous years. Additionally, chikungunya cases in 2024 have surged to 485, making it the highest figure in the past three years. Experts have noted an alarming rise in the severity of symptoms for many patients, including rare neurological complications like encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome, among others. This represents an evolving pattern in the clinical manifestations of these diseases that requires greater medical attention.
The surge in cases has been linked to a combination of factors, notably erratic weather patterns resulting from climate change. According to Dr. Rajesh Dighe, head of the vector-borne diseases control programme, the torrential rainfall in 2024 created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, significantly contributing to the high case numbers. Despite the PMC’s vigorous containment efforts—focusing on eliminating outdoor breeding grounds—mosquitoes continued to thrive indoors, posing a persistent challenge for the civic body.
Sustainability in urban health management becomes crucial in the context of such outbreaks. With urbanisation continuing to expand, Pune’s growing population and rapidly evolving infrastructure face heightened risks from vector-borne diseases. This year’s rise in cases highlights the need for integrated urban planning that includes sustainable waste management and water conservation practices to minimise mosquito breeding sites. Moreover, a significant component of the city’s response has been its focus on extensive testing and reporting. Dr. Dighe highlighted that the PMC’s decision to test a larger number of suspected cases has contributed to the higher reported numbers, but it also underscores the importance of transparency in managing public health crises.
Looking ahead, a sustainable approach to managing these outbreaks will require not just better healthcare responses but also a holistic understanding of how climate change intersects with urbanisation to exacerbate health risks. Given the persistence of vector-borne diseases, Pune must invest in long-term solutions, including improved waste management practices, the creation of green spaces to reduce mosquito habitats, and better public awareness campaigns on vector control. This multifaceted strategy could play a key role in not only managing future outbreaks but also in reducing the strain on the city’s healthcare infrastructure.
