Why in the news?

In recent weeks, there has been an increase in dengue cases, notably in Karnataka, with rising numbers also observed in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Are urbanisation and climate change fuelling dengue spread in the world?

Urbanization:

• Increased Population Density: Urban areas provide optimal conditions for the Aedes aegypti mosquito due to the availability of breeding sites like stagnant water in containers, tires, and other urban infrastructure.
• Expansion of Cities: Rapid urbanization leads to unplanned growth, inadequate waste management, and inadequate water supply, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• Human Movement: Urbanization facilitates increased human mobility, enabling the spread of the dengue virus through infected individuals travelling between urban centers.

Climate Change:

• Temperature and Rainfall Patterns: Warmer temperatures and altered rainfall patterns associated with climate change create favourable conditions for mosquito breeding and survival.
• Shifts in Geographic Distribution: Changing climate allows Aedes mosquitoes to expand their range to new regions previously unaffected by dengue, including temperate climates.
• Extreme Weather Events: Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like hurricanes and floods provide breeding opportunities for mosquitoes and facilitate virus transmission.

Impact:

• Health Impact: India accounts for an estimated 33 million clinically apparent dengue cases each year, contributing to a third of the global dengue burden
• Economic Impact: A cost analysis study in southern India estimated the direct medical costs per hospitalized dengue patient at around ₹20,000 in 2017-18, with costs soaring to over ₹61,000 for complications requiring intensive care.
• Impact on Individuals: Dengue can cause a wide spectrum of illness, from mild flu-like symptoms to severe complications like internal bleeding, organ impairment, and potentially death if not treated promptly.

Way forward: 

• Enhance Urban Infrastructure: Improve urban planning to include effective waste management, regular clearing of stagnant water sources, and sustainable water supply systems to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch comprehensive public awareness campaigns focusing on urban populations to promote community involvement in mosquito control measures and encourage responsible waste disposal practices.

Mains PYQ: 

Q Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC IAS/2015)

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