Now Reading: Multiple dengue strains circulating together, ICMR study finds
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Multiple dengue strains circulating together, ICMR study finds
A nationwide ICMR study has found that all four dengue virus serotypes are now circulating together across large parts of India, marking a shift towards hyper-endemicity. The two-year surveillance analysed 6,889 lab-confirmed…
The Story in Brief
A nationwide ICMR study has found that all four dengue virus serotypes are now circulating together across large parts of India, marking a shift towards hyper-endemicity. The two-year surveillance analysed 6,889 lab-confirmed cases from 45 laboratories and found that DENV-2 caused over half the infections, but eight States reported all four serotypes. Nearly 7% of patients were infected with two or more serotypes at once, and such concurrent infections were linked to more severe disease, including low platelet counts and bleeding. Researchers warn that multiple circulating strains complicate future vaccine use, as effectiveness varies by serotype.
The Indian Opinion
The ICMR study confirms what many clinicians have suspected: dengue is becoming hyper-endemic. But the finding that 7% of patients carry multiple serotypes should not spark panic. Severe outcomes were more common in that group, yet the absolute numbers are small. The real test is how vaccine developers respond. India's indigenous candidates must prove efficacy against all four serotypes. The next year's surveillance data will show whether DENV-2 dominance holds or another strain surges. That shift will determine the urgency of vaccination rollout.
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
