Impact of Dengue in South India and Cost-Effective Solution – A Narrative Review

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the Dengue virus (DENV), with significant public health implications in South India, which bears a disproportionate share of India’s dengue burden. This narrative review explores the incidence, risk factors, clinical manifestations, and economic impact of dengue in South India, focusing on states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Factors such as warm, humid climate, rapid urbanization, and poor sanitation facilitate the proliferation of Aedes mosquitoes, while co-circulation of multiple dengue serotypes increases the risk of severe disease. Common clinical features include fever, rash, myalgia, and thrombocytopenia, with severe manifestations like dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) posing significant mortality risks. Economic analysis reveals that dengue imposes a substantial financial burden, with the direct medical costs for treatment and prevention running into millions of dollars. Studies show that out-of-pocket expenses significantly affect low-income households, and a decentralized dengue screening strategy at primary healthcare levels has been identified as a cost-effective solution to mitigate these costs. This review underscores the need for enhanced vector control measures, public awareness, and cost-effective solutions to reduce the incidence and economic burden of dengue in South India.