Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, once associated mostly with the rainy season, have now turned into a year-long health threat in Uttar Pradesh. A recent report released by the Department of Microbiology at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS) in Lucknow reveals that in 2024, malaria cases were reported across nine months, while dengue cases were detected throughout the year. The findings point toward a worrying trend that has public health experts and local residents deeply concerned.
According to Professor Jyotsna Agarwal, Head of the Department of Microbiology at RMLIMS, the uninterrupted presence of mosquitoes is one of the key reasons for the extended period of infection. “There was a time when we would start preparing for dengue and malaria cases only during the monsoon months. That pattern no longer exists. Mosquitoes are now breeding through the year due to stagnant water and rising urban temperatures. As a result, the risk of these diseases is ever-present,” she said.
The report documents that September saw a sharp spike in malaria cases, with 55 patients diagnosed, while October witnessed a dramatic surge in dengue infections, with 302 cases reported in just one month. Alarmingly, dengue was not confined to the monsoon and post-monsoon periods. Infections were recorded even in January (5 cases), February (2), and March (3) — months traditionally considered safe from mosquito-borne illnesses. Malaria cases began appearing from April and were reported consistently through the year, tapering off only slightly in the winter.
For residents like Sudhir Singh, a schoolteacher living in the Aliganj area of Lucknow, the new reality is unsettling. “Earlier, we would take precautions only during the rains. But now, my children have had mosquito bites even in December. It is frustrating to keep all windows closed year-round,” he said. Singh added that he had to rush his teenage son to the hospital in May after he tested positive for dengue — a month when people usually let their guard down.
Another city resident, Vikas Tripathi, who runs a grocery shop in the Rajajipuram locality, echoed similar concerns. “Mosquitoes do not seem to go away anymore. Whether it is summer, winter, or monsoon, they are always there. We use coils, sprays, and even electronic repellents, but nothing seems enough. My wife fell ill with dengue in October, and since then, we’ve been extra cautious,” he said.
Experts believe that rapid urbanization, poor waste management, and changing climate conditions have created ideal environments for mosquito breeding. The unchecked accumulation of stagnant water in construction sites, flower pots, old tires, and even clogged drains has become a breeding ground for Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes, the carriers of dengue and malaria respectively.
The health department is urging people to remain vigilant throughout the year. Officials recommend ensuring that all water containers, overhead tanks, and coolers are kept clean and covered. Water accumulated in unused objects such as coconut shells, old utensils, and discarded tires should be removed immediately. They also advise changing the water in bird baths and flower vases at least once a week.
Personal protection measures are equally important. Sleeping under mosquito nets, wearing full-sleeve clothing, especially during dawn and dusk hours, and using mosquito repellents remain the most effective ways to avoid bites.
Health experts also warn that the prolonged presence of these diseases has added pressure on already stretched healthcare systems. With cases being reported outside the typical season, hospitals now need to maintain year-round preparedness, including diagnostic facilities and beds for mosquito-borne infections.
“The biggest danger is that people still associate these diseases with the rainy season. That perception needs to change,” said Prof. Agarwal. “Public awareness campaigns and community-level participation are the only ways to control the spread.”
As cities like Lucknow grow and become more crowded, the fight against mosquitoes will require not just government action but also community awareness, personal responsibility, and infrastructural change. What was once a seasonal menace is now a perennial public health challenge—and ignoring it could prove costly.
