‘Dengue virus causing fever in 65%-70% samples’

PUNE: A major study being conducted in the city has revealed the presence of dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2), the variant that is most commonly linked with severe cases and hospitalisation.

- Vicky Pathare

This serotype has been found in 65-70% of the samples tested in the city, with most of them belonging to Genotype II - Lineage Fll. The finding has raised serious public health concerns, especially since the monsoon season is known to cause an upsurge in mosquito-borne illnesses.

Titled, ‘Prospective Observational Study to Map the Dengue Incidence in the Pune Municipal Region’, the initiative started on March 24, 2023, through a collaboration between B.J. Medical College (BJMC), Pune, and Pune Knowledge Cluster Foundation.

The ongoing study started taking serum samples from April 2023 and has tested around 5,000 samples so far for dengue, using ELISA and rapid diagnostic methods. The data confirmed a sharp seasonal rise in cases during August to October in both 2023 and 2024, consistent with monsoon-related mosquito activity.