Mosquito menace drives sharp rise in chikungunya cases across Telangana
HYDERABAD: The mosquito population in Telangana has exploded over the past few years, driving a record surge in chikungunya cases. Data from the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) shows the state registered a nearly 60-fold increase in suspected cases—from 220 in 2021 to 13,592 in 2024—making it the sharpest rise in the country.
Experts link outbreak to mosquito breeding in stagnant water
Health officials say that the spread of the Aedes mosquito, which transmits chikungunya, has been fuelled by heavy monsoons, flooding, and poor sanitation. “The Aedes mosquito thrives in clean stagnant water—something Hyderabad and other urban centres now have in abundance because of clogged drains, overflowing sewage, and irregular garbage clearance,” said Dr Madap Karuna, senior paediatrician and expert on vector-borne diseases.
According to NCVBDC, the trend continues this year with 7,176 suspected cases reported up to August 2025. “In 2024, the outbreak was the worst in a decade,” Dr Karuna added, noting that chikungunya tends to occur in epidemic cycles every four to five years.
Chikungunya, a viral infection spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, causes high fever, severe joint pain, headache, and fatigue. Doctors warn that while the disease rarely causes death, it can lead to long-term pain and mobility issues.
Sewage overflow and waterlogging have created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes in many Hyderabad localities. “Even short spells of rain trigger sewage overflow, making it difficult to control the mosquito population,” said Dr K Sucharita, general physician at the Khairatabad primary health centre.
Director of public health Dr B Ravinder Nayak said anti-larval operations, fogging, and awareness campaigns are being intensified, especially before and during the monsoon.
