In Madhya Pradesh, chikungunya cases have spiked sharply in early 2025, nearly matching the rise in dengue infections and highlighting significant public health gaps. According to provisional data from the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) as of March 31, the state has reported 113 chikungunya cases and 122 dengue cases.
Early 2025 Figures Near Annual Totals of Previous Years
As reported by TOI, the 113 chikungunya cases reported in just the first quarter of 2025 already approach the total number recorded in 2020 (133 cases). This early surge also represents nearly 50% of the annual totals seen in 2021 (397 cases), 2022 (399 cases), and 2023 (315 cases), indicating a concerning upward trend.
Chikungunya’s Long-Term Impact Extends Beyond Infection
While dengue remains deadlier, chikungunya imposes a heavy economic burden due to its long recovery period. Patients often face extended work absences and reduced productivity, which increases financial stress on both families and healthcare systems.
2024 Saw Fourfold Increase in Cases
In 2024, Madhya Pradesh reported 1,321 confirmed chikungunya cases—a more than fourfold rise from 2023’s 315 cases. This marked the second-highest outbreak in recent years, following the 2018 peak of 1,609 cases.
Rising Dengue and Chikungunya Cases Demand Urgent Action
The simultaneous spike in both dengue and chikungunya signals a serious vector-borne disease crisis in the state. Health officials emphasize the need for stronger disease control measures and more robust healthcare interventions.
Co-Infections and Improved Detection Contribute to Numbers
Dr. Himanshu Jayswar, the state programme officer for NVBDCP and deputy director in the public health department, attributes part of the rise to improved testing and research. He also noted that up to 50% of chikungunya cases may involve co-infections, where patients contract multiple viruses at once.
MP Lags Behind in Testing Compared to Neighbouring States
Despite the rise in cases, Madhya Pradesh’s testing remains limited. In 2024, the state conducted only 13,677 tests, far fewer than Maharashtra’s 57,509 and Karnataka’s 78,217. This disparity suggests the likelihood of underreporting and insufficient surveillance.
Regional Data Highlights Broader Spread
Maharashtra and Karnataka reported far higher chikungunya case counts in 2024, with 5,854 and 2,954 confirmed cases respectively. These figures point to a wider regional prevalence of the disease across central and southern India.
Fluctuating Trends Reflect Complex Influences
Chikungunya cases in Madhya Pradesh have fluctuated over the years. From a high of 1,609 cases in 2018, numbers dropped dramatically to 133 in 2020, then steadily increased. These changes likely result from shifts in vector control effectiveness, climate conditions, and disease surveillance efforts.
Conclusion: Strengthening Prevention and Surveillance is Critical
The current surge underscores the urgent need for better disease monitoring, expanded testing, and more proactive vector control strategies. Without timely intervention, Madhya Pradesh risks facing an escalating public health crisis driven by preventable vector-borne infections.