Bhubaneswar, May 16: AIIMS Bhubaneswar observed National Dengue Day with a series of public awareness programmes held at the Main OPD foyer, today. The initiative aimed to educate the public about Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral disease, and promote effective preventive strategies to combat its spread.

The event was spearheaded by the Department of General Medicine, with active participation from faculty and healthcare staff. Informative pamphlets were distributed among patients and visitors, highlighting key facts about Dengue symptoms, transmission, and most importantly, prevention.

As per the data released by the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Government of India, a total of 12,043 Dengue cases and 6 deaths were reported across the country till March 2025, with the highest number of cases from Tamil Nadu.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director, AIIMS Bhubaneswar and an international expert on Dengue and vector-borne diseases, emphasized the urgent need to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, particularly during the monsoon season.

“Larvae can survive for a long time in stagnant or even clean water. It is crucial to eliminate water stagnation and maintain hygienic surroundings to prevent mosquito breeding. During the monsoon, using bed nets, mosquito repellents, and wearing full-sleeve clothing is essential to avoid mosquito bites,” said Dr. Biswas.

The awareness drive was graced by the presence of Dr. Dillip Kumar Parida, Medical Superintendent, along with Dr. Anupam Dey, Head of the Department of General Medicine. Faculty members Dr. Anupama Behera, Dr. Debananda Sahoo, Dr. Dhriti Sundar Das, Dr. Binod Behera, and Dr. Rashmi Das from the Department of Paediatrics were also present.

During the programme, medical experts discussed the public health significance of Dengue, epidemiological risks, and the importance of community-level preventive practices. Insights were also shared on the clinical diagnosis and management of Dengue in both adults and children.