Think dengue is only a monsoon illness? Mumbai docs bust myths about the disease

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about half of the world`s population is now at risk of dengue, with an estimated 100 – 400 million infections occurring each year. In India, as per data from the National Centre for Vector-Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), dengue cases have increased from 1.57 lakh in 2019 to 2.33 lakh in 2024.

While the monsoon season is popularly believed to exacerbate dengue and lead to a rise in cases, it is a myth that the disease only affects people when it rains. As Mumbai is experiencing intense heat with untimely rains, city-based experts warn that dengue can be prevalent even during summers.

On National Dengue Day 2025, which is observed annually in India on May 16, mid-day speaks to Dr Paritosh Baghel, senior consultant – Internal Medicine at S. L. Raheja Hospital in Mahim, Dr Manish Pendse, Senior consultant physician & diabetologist at Medicover Hospitals in Navi Mumbai, and Dr Divya Gopal, consultant – Internal Medicine at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital in Girgaon. They not only highlight the risk factors of the disease but also bust common myths around it.

While cases of dengue rise in the monsoon, is it only a monsoon disease?

Baghel: Dengue infection is not limited to monsoons. It can also occur in summer, and wherever there is presence of Aedes mosquito. High humidity and temperatures lead to increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Pendse: Dengue is a common occurrence during monsoon, as there is water stagnation near the house. So, the stagnated water in the pots, cans, vessels, and tyres is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. However, dengue can occur in summer too, especially in areas where water is stored in open containers or where hygiene is poor. The Aedes mosquito, which spreads dengue, can breed even in small amounts of water, like in flowerpots, coolers.

What are some risk factors of dengue during the summer season?

Baghel: Increased temperatures with higher humidity help mosquitoes survive better. In summers, clothing can be a risk factor for the disease. Due to heat, people may wear short clothes exposing their body to mosquito bites. To beat the heat, many people sit near water bodies or use air coolers with stagnant water inside, both of which can create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.

Pendse: Poor sanitation and uncovered water sources can raise one’s chances of suffering from dengue. Summer is also vacation time, so when you travel to areas where dengue cases are high, you can be at a greater risk of dengue due to prevalence of disease-causing mosquitoes.

What are some other common myths about dengue?

Gopal: Some common myths and facts related to dengue are:

Myth 1: Dengue is contagious and spreads person to person

Fact: Dengue does not spread person-to-person. It spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquito (particularly Aedes aegypti).

Myth 2: Dirty or stagnated water alone can give rise to dengue-causing mosquitoes

Fact: Aedes mosquitoes can reproduce in clean, still water, including flowerpots, water coolers, and open containers. It`s not only “dirty water” that is a risk factor.

Myth 3: Once you’ve had dengue, you’re immune for life

Fact: There are four different dengue virus strains (DENV-1 to DENV-4). Infection with one strain gives lifelong immunity to that strain, but not to the others. A second infection with a different strain can actually be more severe.

Myth 4: High fever is the sole sign of dengue

Fact: Though high fever is prevalent, it is associated with severe headache, pain in joints and muscles, skin rash, pain behind the eyes, and low platelet count. In extreme cases, dengue leads to bleeding and organ damage (dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome).

Pendse:  Some other common myths about dengue are:

Myth 1: Dengue mosquitoes bite during nighttime only

Fact: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which transmit dengue, are active during the day, that is, early morning and late afternoon. They can bite at any time.

Myth 2: Drinking papaya leaf juice can help cure dengue

Fact: Even though papaya leaf juice is known to boost the platelet count in dengue patients, there is no concrete evidence available regarding this claim. The treating doctor will decide the appropriate line of treatment for the patient. So, it is advisable not to rely on papaya leaf juice or other home remedies like giloy juice. Follow the instructions given by the doctor and avoid self-medication.

As the weather in Mumbai is changing with unseasonal rains, what are some precautions one should take to protect themselves from dengue?

Baghel: To prevent dengue, eliminate stagnant water around your surroundings to stop mosquito breeding. Wear protective clothing to avoid mosquito bites and stay vigilant for early symptoms of dengue.

Gopal: Personal protection includes wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent (with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus), sleeping under mosquito nets, especially during the day (Aedes mosquitos are day-biters), and using screens on doors and windows.

Environmental control measures include eliminating stagnant water (flowerpots, buckets, tires, clogged drains), covering water storage containers, and promoting community clean-up campaigns.

This article first appeared on Mid Day