Dengue Cases Fall Nearly 40% in Gujarat as Government Intensifies Mosquito Control

The figures were reviewed at a meeting chaired by Health Minister Praful Pansheriya, where officials assessed the state's situation regarding dengue, malaria and chikungunya and reviewed disease surveillance and diagnostic facilities across districts and municipal corporation areas.

According to the Health Department, malaria cases have also declined by 22 per cent in 2026 compared with the previous year.

The minister reviewed the functioning of diagnostic centres at 42 hospitals affiliated with medical colleges, with particular attention to facilities for rapid dengue detection and serum sample testing.

“More than 1.35 lakh serum samples from suspected dengue cases have been tested at these 42 centres, with 2,099 samples testing positive,” Pansheriya said.

The meeting also assessed the ongoing house-to-house surveillance drive being conducted across Gujarat as part of efforts to detect and prevent the spread of vector-borne diseases.

Pansheriya directed officials to strengthen the campaign and ensure that mosquito breeding sites are identified and removed. He also instructed Health Department Additional Chief Secretary Rajiv Topno to hold meetings with Collectors, District Development Officers and Municipal Commissioners to intensify measures against dengue mosquitoes and their breeding grounds.

The directions cover both urban and rural areas, with officials asked to focus on identifying potential breeding sites and taking preventive action.

The minister also reviewed arrangements for diagnosing and treating fever and dengue at Community Health Centres and Primary Health Centres across the state.

Officials were asked to ensure adequate availability of medicines and diagnostic kits at healthcare facilities. Any shortages or deficiencies identified during the review were to be addressed immediately.

Pansheriya said the overall situation remained under control and urged people not to be alarmed by unverified information.

“The malaria and dengue situation in Gujarat is under control. Citizens must not panic because of rumours,” he said.

He also appealed to residents to maintain cleanliness around their homes and follow precautions to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne infections.

The Health Department's latest review comes as Gujarat continues its statewide surveillance and prevention programme, with authorities focusing on early diagnosis, adequate medical supplies and the identification and elimination of mosquito breeding sites.