Trend Analysis of Three Major Mosquito Borne Diseases in Punjab, India

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Understanding the distribution and prevalence of three major mosquito borne diseases in an area is critical for the development of effective vector control strategies and public health interventions. The present study is therefore aimed to explore the epidemiological trend of malaria, dengue and chikungunya from 2012 to 2018 in Punjab. Methods: Quantitatively retrospective data was collected from Department of Health and Family Welfare, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), Punjab from 2012 to March 2018. The collected data was statistically analysed. Results: In case of malaria highest prevalent districts in Punjab are Mansa and Bathinda, for dengue Patiala, Ludhiana and S.A.S. Nagar and Patiala for chikungunya. Malaria was reported mainly from rural areas while dengue and chikungunya were found more in urban areas. For all three mosquito borne diseases, males were infected more as compared to females. Malaria cases were reported in months of August and September while dengue cases increased from July to November whereas chikungunya cases were highest in months of August to October. Conclusions: These findings help in concluding the trend analysis which in turn helps us to increase our focus on disease endemic districts along with boosting the vector control strategies in respective districts. Further the control of these mosquito borne diseases can be solved by employing adequate human resources, by increasing awareness in the community by conducting health camps and strengthening the entomological surveillance for timely reduction in the breeding of the vectors, especially before the repeated rise in cases during the period from July to November each year.

Mapping the stability of febrile illness hotspots in Punjab from 2012 to 2019- a spatial clustering and regression analysis

“…Such spikes can be broadly attributable to factors like an agrarian economy, sizeable livestock population, dense housing patterns, inward migration, rapid urbanization, and the growth of slums [ 14 , 15 ]. Previous analyses from Punjab have depicted Malaria (Plasmodium Vivax and Plasmodium Falciparum ), Dengue, Chikungunya, Enteric fever, and some diseases conditions classified as Pyrexia of Unknown Origin (PUO) are the most common causes of FI in Punjab [ 16 ]. Malaria cases have the highest prevalence in the districts across the western border, while Dengue and Chikungunya were prominent towards the southeastern borders [ 16 ].…”

“…Previous analyses from Punjab have depicted Malaria (Plasmodium Vivax and Plasmodium Falciparum ), Dengue, Chikungunya, Enteric fever, and some diseases conditions classified as Pyrexia of Unknown Origin (PUO) are the most common causes of FI in Punjab [ 16 ]. Malaria cases have the highest prevalence in the districts across the western border, while Dengue and Chikungunya were prominent towards the southeastern borders [ 16 ]. Malaria and Chikungunya depicted significant urban–rural and gender disparities, with striking temporal trends [ 16 ].…”

“…Malaria cases have the highest prevalence in the districts across the western border, while Dengue and Chikungunya were prominent towards the southeastern borders [ 16 ]. Malaria and Chikungunya depicted significant urban–rural and gender disparities, with striking temporal trends [ 16 ]. A hospital-based study from Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab, depicted the incidence of Enteric fever to be 1622 cases per 100,000 child-years among children between the ages of 6 months and 14 years and 970 cases per 100,000 person-years among those who were 15 years of age or older [ 17 ].…”