Telangana: Dengue cases surge in Adilabad; tribal and urban areas hit hard

Residents, especially in remote villages, demand urgent intervention as they struggle with out-of-reach private healthcare and inadequate public infrastructure

Adilabad: The incidence of vector-borne diseases (VBDs), particularly dengue, is steadily rising in Adilabad district, triggering concern among residents.

A ccording to official data, 929 blood samples were collected so far in 2025 for VBD testing, compared to 9,608 samples in 2024 and 6,506 in 2023. Of these, 24 dengue cases have already been confirmed this year. Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs) accounted for 13 of these, while 10 cases were reported from Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in tribal-dominated rural areas.

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In 2024, the district recorded a total of 366 dengue cases and two malaria cases, marking a sharp spike from 108 dengue and two malaria cases in 2023 — over 3-fold increase. Urban PHCs such as Chilkuri Laxminagar, Hamalawada, Khursheed Nagar, Putlibowli, Shantinagar and Ankoli alone reported 231 dengue cases last year.

PHCs in tribal areas reported 104 dengue cases in 2024, up from 36 in 2023. These centres are located in villages like Bazarhathnoor, Bheempur, Danthanpalli, Gadiguda, Gudihathnoor, Hasanpur, Indervelli, Ichoda, Jhari, Narnoor, Neradigonda, Narsapur (T), Pittabongaram, Shyampur and Syedpur. These villages are inhabited by tribal communities, including Raj Gonds, Kolams and Andhs.

Residents have voiced distress over the growing threat and the lack of affordable treatment. Many from remote villages said they were forced to depend on rural medical practitioners due to the high costs charged by private hospitals. They urged the administration to initiate preventive measures immediately.

District Medical and Health Officer Dr Narender Rathod said measures were being taken to contain the spread of the diseases. Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been constituted at district, mandal and village levels for timely intervention. A 24×7 epidemic control room (Ph: 7670904306) has been set up for constant surveillance of vector- and water-borne illnesses.

As part of a mass awareness drive, audio messages in five local languages and a video message have been developed. These were shared with the Panchayat Raj and Municipal Administration departments for wide dissemination. An action plan has also been rolled out to contain dengue in Adilabad urban limits, involving staff from the Municipal Department, MEPMA and Health Department.

Growing Concern

• Dengue cases registered by Urban PHCs in 2024: 231
• Dengue cases recorded by Tribal PHCs in 2024: 104
• Dengue cases witnessed by Rural PHCs in 2024: 31