Dengue Cases Among Children Rising In India, Doctors Warn Of Severe Health Risks

Doctors and health experts have warned that dengue is becoming a major year-round public health challenge for children in India, with rising hospitalisations, severe complications, and increasing hidden infections among school-age children.

According to recent medical data, India reported more than 10 lakh dengue cases and 1,572 deaths over the last five years, while thousands of cases have already been recorded in 2026 alone.

• What happened
  • Health experts highlighted the growing burden of dengue among children in India on National Dengue Day.
  • Studies from Delhi, Kerala, Puducherry, Karnataka, and other states showed increasing infection rates and severe dengue cases in children.
• Why it matters
  • Dengue is no longer considered only a seasonal disease and is now spreading throughout the year.
  • Children are increasingly vulnerable to severe dengue complications and hospitalisation.
• Key findings from studies
  • Children aged 5–10 years showed the highest dengue burden in some studies.
  • Symptoms such as persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, and altered vital signs were linked to severe dengue progression.
  • Obese children were found to have a significantly higher risk of developing severe dengue.
• What doctors are warning about
  • India currently has circulation of all four dengue virus serotypes, increasing the risk of repeat infections and severe illness.
  • Experts also warned about “Expanded Dengue Syndrome,” where the infection affects multiple organs including the liver, heart, kidneys, and brain.
• Prevention measures
  • Doctors advised removing stagnant water, using mosquito repellents, wearing full-sleeve clothes, and improving sanitation.
  • Parents were urged to watch for warning signs like bleeding, breathing difficulty, lethargy, severe stomach pain, and reduced urine output.
• Who is affected
  • Children and families across India
  • Hospitals and pediatric healthcare systems
  • Schools and densely populated urban areas

What to watch next:
Government dengue-control efforts during the monsoon season, future vaccine strategies, and whether India sees another rise in pediatric dengue cases in 2026.