Dengue cases see spike in Gujarat, contrary to seropositivity trends
Updated: Jan 1st, 2025
Gujarat reported 7,820 dengue cases in 2024. However, the number of positive cases has decreased compared to 2023. While the seropositivity rate (the presence of antibodies in blood) was 4.7% in 2023, it dropped to 3.5% in 2024, indicating that the situation was under control.
Waterborne and vector-borne diseases tend to increase during the monsoon and winter seasons. In Gujarat, 2.21 lakh serum samples were tested in 2024, of which, 7,820 cases tested positive for dengue. In contrast, in 2023, 1.49 lakh serum samples were tested, with 7,222 cases of dengue found.
Despite the increase in cases, the seropositivity rate has decreased from 4.7% in 2023 to 3.5% in 2024, according to the health department.
Sources in the health department reported that to ensure quick diagnosis of dengue this year, the state government purchased 1,70,000 rapid test kits for NS1 dengue detection.
During monsoon, intensive surveillance and vector control measures were carried out in sensitive areas. A total of 492 vector control teams surveyed 2,460 areas to monitor and control the spread of the disease.
In addition, serum samples and mosquito samples were sent to B J Medical College and GBRC (Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre) in Gandhinagar to determine the type of dengue virus circulating in the state.
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