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National Dengue Day On 16 May 2025 In India: Learn About Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

Written by:

Shrabani Pattnaik

15 May 2025

14 May 2025

10 min

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Dengue is a very common disease in India, especially during the rainy season. It is caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which bites during the daytime and breeds in stagnant water. Globally, dengue affects over 390 million people every year, and India alone accounts for nearly 34% of the total cases. According to the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, India reported over 110,000 dengue cases in 2023, with a mortality rate ranging between 0.2% and 0.5%.

The disease progresses in three phases — acute, febrile, and recovery. In some severe cases, it may lead to dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening. National Dengue Day on 16 May 2025 serves as a critical reminder of the importance of awareness, early detection, and prevention. This observance was established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to educate citizens and healthcare workers about the dangers of dengue and encourage preventive action at the community level.

Let’s learn more about this day in this article.

About National Dengue Day, 16 May 2025
What Is Dengue, And How Is It Transmitted? Symptoms And Signs of Dengue
Dengue Diagnosis And Treatment
What Is the Recovery Phase of Dengue?
When is Dengue Season in India? How To Prevent Dengue?
The Final Say
FAQs
References

About National Dengue Day, 16 May 2025

National Dengue Day on 16 May 2025 in India serves as a critical reminder to raise awareness about the dangers of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection and a common rainy season disease. Initiated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, National Dengue Day is observed annually on 16 May. This observance began as a response to the rising cases of dengue, especially during the monsoon season, to inform the public, promote prevention methods, and strengthen community participation.

The aim of National Dengue Day on 16 May 2025 is to sensitise individuals, health workers, and policymakers about dengue prevention and control. This year, the government plans a nationwide campaign emphasising vector control, community cleanliness, and early diagnosis. National Dengue Day on 16 May 2025 also brings together stakeholders from across healthcare, education, and civic bodies to share knowledge and preventive strategies.

Also Read: World Malaria Day On 25 April 2025: History, Theme, Important And Why Prevention Still Remains Important

What Is Dengue, And How Is It Transmitted? Symptoms And Signs of Dengue

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans by the bite of infected female Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti. The virus responsible for dengue belongs to the Flaviviridae family and has four distinct serotypes: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. It is not a contagious virus. A person can be infected with each serotype in their lifetime, and second infections often carry a higher risk due to a phenomenon called antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE).

Dengue infection can manifest in three clinical forms:

Classic dengue fever
Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF)
Dengue shock syndrome (DSS).

Classic dengue fever is characterised by sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain (also called breakbone fever), and skin rashes. DHF involves bleeding, low platelet count, and plasma leakage, while DSS can lead to shock, organ failure, and death.

In rare cases, the virus can affect the brain, causing dengue encephalitis, which leads to seizures, confusion, and altered mental states. The Aedes mosquito is a daytime biter, most active during early morning and before dusk. It breeds in stagnant water, such as containers, flower pots, and tyres.

Antibody-dependent enhancement makes subsequent infections more dangerous. When antibodies from a previous infection fail to neutralise a different dengue serotype, they may actually assist the new virus in entering cells and replicating more efficiently, leading to more severe illness. National Dengue Day on 16 May 2025 highlights the importance of understanding this mechanism in disease management and vaccine development.

Symptoms & Signs Of Dengue

High Fever (sudden onset)
Severe Headaches
Pain Behind The Eyes
Muscle & Joint Pain (breakbone fever)
Skin Rash (appears 2–5 days after fever)
Nausea & Vomiting
Fatigue & Weakness
Swollen Glands
Mild Bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds, gum bleeding)

National Dengue Day on 16 May 2025 educates the public on identifying the warning signs of dengue fever early.

Dengue Diagnosis And Treatment

Let’s have a look at how dengue is diagnosed and possible treatment methods:

Diagnosis

Method	Description
NS1 Antigen Test	Detects the virus protein in the early phase of infection
RT-PCR	Identifies viral RNA, highly specific and effective in the early stages
IgM/IgG Antibody Tests	Detect immune response, useful after the fifth day of infection
Complete Blood Count	Monitors platelet and white blood cell levels
ELISA	Confirms presence of dengue antibodies

National Dengue Day on 16 May 2025 encourages early testing to reduce severe outcomes.

Treatment

Treatment Option	Purpose/Action
Fluid Replacement	Prevents dehydration and treats plasma leakage
Paracetamol	Manages fever and pain (avoid NSAIDS like ibuprofen due to bleeding risk)
Rest and Monitoring	Essential for recovery and tracking complications
Hospitalisation	Required for severe cases like DHF or DSS
Platelet Transfusion	Administered if the platelet count falls critically low

National Dengue Day on 16 May 2025 focuses on awareness of both hospital and home care.

Also Read: Get Latest Information On Zika Virus Spread In India: Causes, Symptoms & Prevention Methods

What Is the Recovery Phase of Dengue?

The recovery phase of dengue begins once the fever subsides and can last several days. During this phase, the patient may still feel weak and tired as the body restores lost fluids and repairs tissues. Following a dengue fever diet is important here.

Blood platelet count gradually returns to normal, and liver function improves. Hydration and rest are critical, and patients should follow a recovery diet for dengue and must avoid physical exertion. The recovery period is closely monitored for complications like fatigue and liver issues. National Dengue Day on 16 May 2025 stresses the importance of completing the full recovery process to prevent relapses or complications.

When is Dengue Season in India? How To Prevent Dengue?

Dengue cases in India typically rise during the monsoon season, from June to October, when stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The peak transmission months are August to October, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical regions where humidity is high.

To prevent dengue:

Remove standing water from flower pots, tyres, buckets, and drains
Use mosquito nets, repellents, and wear long-sleeved clothing
Keep windows and doors screened to prevent mosquito entry
Fogging and fumigation during high-risk months
Raise community awareness through clean-up drives
Promptly treat and report suspected dengue cases

National Dengue Day on 16 May 2025 highlights proactive community-based efforts to control dengue outbreaks.

Also Read: How To Prevent Dengue After a Mosquito Bite? Expert Guided Insights To Stay Protected!

The Final Say

National Dengue Day on 16 May 2025 reminds us that prevention starts with awareness. While dengue is curable, timely diagnosis and control measures are essential to avoid complications.

Do your part — eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, stay informed, and protect your loved ones. Let’s spread awareness and support the cause this National Dengue Day on 16 May 2025.

FAQs

1. What is the theme of National Dengue Day on 16 May 2025?

The theme of National Dengue Day on 16 May 2025 is “Act Early, Prevent Dengue: Clean Surroundings, Healthy Living”.

2. Is the dengue mosquito a daytime biter?

Yes, the dengue mosquito (Aedes aegypti) is primarily a daytime biter, being most active in the early morning and late afternoon.

3. What to eat when having dengue fever?

When having dengue fever, you should eat easily digestible foods rich in protein, vitamin C, and iron-such as bananas, papayas, cooked vegetables, lean meats, and drink plenty of fluids like water and coconut water.

References

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