Hyderabad: With the maximum daily temperatures hovering around 25°C and minimum temperatures around 22°C - ideal conditions for dengue and chikungunya-spreading mosquitoes - an increase in these cases is expected in the coming weeks.The state has recorded 1,041 cases in the last month alone, doubling from 964 cases reported in the first half of the year. This rise occurred between June 25 and July 25, according to state health department records. These are confirmed dengue cases, verified through diagnostic tests. However, more than half of the cases showing classic dengue symptoms are testing negative for dengue and are suspected to be chikungunya. Despite many cases not being tested for chikungunya, doctors report seeing typical chikungunya symptoms such as joint pains, fever, rashes, vomiting, and headaches. “This is typically the season when dengue cases surge each year, as it’s the peak season. Chikungunya also tends to appear at the same time. Since both diseases are spread by Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes, cases peak simultaneously. Although there are more suspected cases of chikungunya this year, many aren’t being tested. Only 54 confirmed chikungunya cases have been recorded so far this year,” said a state health department official, noting that cases are likely to rise further.This increase is primarily due to two factors: wet and damp areas providing perfect breeding grounds for the mosquitoes, and the temperature dip creating an ideal environment for them. “Temperature plays a vital role in the development and survival of Aedes mosquitoes. The optimal temperature range for their development is 25°C-30°C. Regardless of the rearing temperature of the larvae, the survival rate of adult mosquitoes is significantly higher at 20°C compared to other temperatures,” according to a study published in PubMed in September 2023.
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