PANAJI
Dengue, once considered a seasonal menace with cases peaking in the summer and just after the monsoon, is now being reported throughout the year, prompting health officials to classify it as a perennial challenge.
Traditionally, infections peaked in summer and during the post‘monsoon months, especially August. But recent data shows a steady trickle of cases across all twelve months.
Encouragingly, the overall number of cases has dropped significantly.
Between January and October 2025, only 84 dengue cases were reported in the State, compared to 511 during the same period in 2024 -- a nearly six‘fold decline.
October alone saw 11 cases, with four detected in Siolim, two in Cortalim, and one each in Pernem, Candolim, Colvale, Porvorim, and Balli.
Monthly figures highlight the flattened trend: seven cases in January, nine in February, seven in March, six in April, four in May, ten in June, 13 each in July and August, four in September, and 11 in October.
“We are seeing dengue patients all year round now, unlike earlier when cases were concentrated in certain months,” said Dr Kalpana Mahatme, Deputy Director in charge of the National Vector‘borne Diseases Control Programme at the Directorate of Health Services (DHS).
Mahatme credited the decline in numbers to intensified preventive measures.
This year, the Health department conducted 2,753 campaigns to destroy mosquito breeding grounds, compared to 774 last year.
Awareness drives also expanded, reaching 5,669 households against 3,923 in 2024. Officials also said, door‘to‘door checks and community engagement have played a crucial role in curbing the spread.
Another positive sign is the absence of fatalities.
While six people had died of dengue in Goa over the past two years, no deaths have been reported between January and October this year.
Early detection, improved medical response, and public awareness are believed to have contributed to this outcome but challenges remain though.
Construction activity picks up after the rains, bringing in migrant workers who often store water improperly in their living quarters. Such practices create breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Officials warn that if workers arrive from dengue‘prone regions in other states, the risk of transmission in Goa could rise.
Dr Mahatme emphasized the importance of community participation: “Keeping our surroundings clean and ensuring there is no stagnant water anywhere can reduce mosquito breeding and lower the number of patients.”
With dengue now entrenched year‘round, health authorities stress that vigilance must remain constant.
The State’s success in reducing cases this year offers hope, but the perennial nature of the disease means the fight against dengue is far from over.
