Changing Face of Dengue Control in Jammu

Dr. Simran

Dengue, one of India’s fastest-spreading mosquito-borne viral infections, continues to challenge the public health system across Jammu & Kashmir. Transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the disease-once limited to tropical and urban zones-has now extended its reach to both urban and rural populations of the Jammu Division.
To curb this growing threat, the Health Department has intensified surveillance and diagnostic capacity through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), while simultaneously enhancing vector control and public awareness measures.
Epidemiological Trends: Changing Landscape of Dengue in Jammu Division
Dengue was not reported in any significant numbers in Jammu Division a decade ago. Sporadic cases were occasionally detected, but large outbreaks were rare and localized. Over the past few years, however, the region has witnessed multiple dengue outbreaks, marking a clear epidemiological shift from low to moderate endemicity. This trend attribute to several interacting factors. Firstly, expansion of diagnostic facilities and the availability of NS1 and IgM ELISA testing at district level have improved early detection and accurate reporting. The integration of private laboratories into the IHIP-IDSP reporting network has ensured that cases are now captured in real time, reducing the problem of under-reporting that existed earlier. Secondly, climatic and environmental changes-including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and increased humidity-have extended the breeding season of Aedes mosquitoes. Urban heat islands, stagnant water in construction sites and household water storage practices have created ideal conditions for vector proliferation.
Thirdly, population migration and urbanization have played a crucial role. The influx of people from endemic areas, increased trade movement and human mobility have facilitated the introduction of the virus into newer localities where the mosquito vector already existed. Together, these factors have transformed dengue from an occasional health concern into a recurring seasonal challenge across the division.
Year-wise Disease Situation and Key Observations
The first significant rise in dengue activity was noted in 2021, when limited testing revealed clusters of infection in Jammu, Kathua, and Samba. In 2022, expansion of testing facilities and large-scale awareness campaigns led to a sharp rise in case detection, particularly during the post-monsoon months.
By 2023, mandatory IHIP-based reporting for both government and private laboratories led to a surge in samples tested-over 47,000-indicating the scale of surveillance strengthening. Although the total confirmed cases were lower than 2022, the wider geographic spread to Udhampur and parts of Doda highlighted ongoing transmission potential.
The 2024 season showed steady transmission but no major outbreak, thanks to better inter-departmental coordination and vector control. In 2025 (till October), around 19,000 samples have been tested, with over 2,100 positives-most from Jammu, Kathua, Samba, and Udhampur districts. Importantly, hospitalizations have declined due to early detection and prompt treatment.
Overall, the epidemiological trend suggests a shifting pattern of dengue transmission-from isolated urban outbreaks to a broader, climate-sensitive endemic presence, influenced by environmental, behavioral and infrastructural factors.
Expanding Health Infrastructure for Early Detection
Today, the network of Sentinel Surveillance Hospital for dengue testing has expanded to 13 Sentinel Hospitals across the division, supported by the newly established District Public Health Laboratory (DPHL) in Samba, where dengue NS1 and IgM ELISA testing is available as per National Guidelines 2023.
Dengue being a notifiable diseases in the UT of J&K, all government and private hospitals, diagnostic labs and clinics are required to upload confirmed positive cases on the IHIP-IDSP portal to ensure real-time tracking and hotspot identification. Based on the uploaded cases, Vector Borne Disease Control (VBD) teams are promptly deployed to affected areas for larval source reduction, anti-larval measures, and focal spraying to prevent further spread.
Helpline 104: From Data to Direct Community Contact
The 104 Health Helpline has emerged as an important bridge between the community and the health system. It not only serves as a grievance redressal mechanism for citizens to report mosquito breeding sites, stagnant water or sanitation issues, but also provides verified information related to dengue prevention, such as the nearest testing facility, availability of diagnostic services and contact details of government health centres. Officials encourage residents to make full use of the service not only for complaints but also for health advice and information about nearby government testing facilities.This direct communication ensures timely feedback from the public and helps the health department monitor both patient care and field response in real time.
Public Role: The Cornerstone of Dengue Prevention
Health authorities stress that dengue prevention depends as much on community behavior as on medical intervention. The Aedes aegypti mosquito breeds in clean, stagnant water, often inside homes, schools and construction sites.
Simple Steps to Prevent Dengue
* Cover all overhead tanks, drums, and containers storing water.
* Empty and scrub coolers, pots, and flower trays every week.
* Dispose of old tyres, bottles, and plastic cups that can collect rainwater.
* Maintain dry surroundings; avoid water stagnation near houses.
* Use mosquito repellents, nets, and full-sleeved clothing, especially during the day.
* Keep gutters and drains unclogged and encourage neighbours to do the same.
What to Avoid
* Do not store uncovered water.
* Do not ignore fever – visit the nearest health centre promptly.
* Avoid self-medication with aspirin or ibuprofen; use only paracetamol for fever relief.
Free Testing and Treatment Available
According to the guidelines, anyone developing high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, rash or vomiting should visit the nearest government health facility immediately.
Testing and treatment services for dengue are available free of cost at all district hospitals and sentinel surveillance centers. Most dengue cases are mild and recover completely if detected early and managed appropriately. However, delayed reporting and self-treatment can lead to complications such as bleeding, dehydration, or shock.
Inter-Departmental Effort Against the Vector
To sustain the gains, the Health Department continues to coordinate with Urban Local Bodies, Rural Development, Education and Jal Shakti department. Joint drives include fogging, waste management, school awareness program and inspection of construction sites to eliminate mosquito breeding. District surveillance units also conduct weekly vector surveys, especially in areas reporting positive cases, ensuring early containment through focal response.
A Call for Collective Vigilance
A collective effort by citizens, institutions and resident associations to maintain vigilance during the post-monsoon months. “Dengue control begins at home,” and “Each covered container, each dry courtyard, and each alert citizen brings us closer to a dengue-free Jammu.”
With continued surveillance through IHIP, expanded laboratory support, and active citizen participation, health officials aim to achieve the long-term goal of “Zero preventable deaths from Dengue in Jammu Division.”

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