India observes May 16 as National Dengue Day in India.  With the overarching objectives of conducting disease surveillance, preventing massive outbreaks, and enforcing preventative measures in hotspots, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has time to time made the notification of dengue cases mandatory across states.

Dengue Prevention Day is an initiative aimed at raising awareness about dengue fever and promoting measures to prevent its spread. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease that is common in tropical and subtropical areas, including many countries in Asia, the Americas, and Africa.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that there are approximately 390 million dengue infections worldwide each year, with approximately 96 million of those resulting in illness. Dengue fever can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and a rash. In some cases, it can progress to a severe and potentially life-threatening form of the disease called dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Preventing the spread of dengue fever involves measures such as eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed, using insect repellent, and wearing long sleeves and pants to cover exposed skin. Dengue Prevention Day serves as a reminder of the importance of taking these precautions to prevent the spread of dengue fever.

The date of Dengue Prevention Day may vary depending on the country or organization promoting the initiative. However, it is typically observed in the summer months, when mosquito activity is highest.

If specific safety and hygiene precautions are strictly adhered to, dengue can be easily prevented. During the monsoon season, when widespread mosquito breeding is at an all-time high, the goal is to minimise exposure to Aedes mosquito bites. There are some steps that, when carefully taken, can lower dengue cases and save lives.

National Dengue Day Theme 2023/Dengue Prevention Day theme 2023 is yet to be announced, as of writing this article. Last year's (2023) theme of National Dengue Day  was “Be Protective And Defend Against The Dangerous Dengue.” 

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