Dengue in Monsoon: What Every Pune Resident Must Know to Stay Safe

Introduction: Monsoon in Pune brings welcome relief from the heat—but also an unwelcome guest: dengue fever. With stagnant water, increased mosquito breeding, and frequent rainfall, this season sees a sharp rise in dengue cases. At Elite Care Clinic, we observe a consistent spike in patients with high fever, body aches, and fatigue between June and September. This blog will help you understand how to protect yourself and your loved ones during this high-risk season.

1. What is Dengue and Why Does It Peak in Monsoon?

Dengue is a viral illness transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. These mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant water—common around households during monsoon in buckets, planters, rooftop tanks, and discarded tires.The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) reports annual dengue surges during the monsoon months, especially in areas like Kothrud, Hadapsar, and Vishrantwadi, where waterlogging is frequent.

2. Recognizing Early Signs of Dengue

Dengue symptoms typically appear 4–7 days after the mosquito bite. Watch out for:

Sudden high-grade fever (often >102°F)

Severe headache or retro-orbital pain

Muscle and joint pains (“breakbone fever”)

Skin rash (usually around day 3–5)

Low platelet count in lab reports

In rare cases, it progresses to dengue hemorrhagic fever, with bleeding, low BP, and organ involvement.

3. When to Seek Medical Help

Not every fever in monsoon is dengue—but early medical evaluation is crucial. At Elite Care Clinic, we advise testing if:

Fever lasts >2 days without localizing symptoms

There’s any bleeding (gums, nose, urine)

Platelet count falls below 100,000

You feel very weak or dizzy

Don’t self-medicate with painkillers like ibuprofen, as they increase bleeding risk.

4. Home Care for Mild Dengue

For mild cases, we recommend:

Plenty of fluids: Coconut water, ORS, soups

Paracetamol for fever (not NSAIDs)

Frequent monitoring of CBC (complete blood count)

Rest and nutritional support

Avoid relying on papaya leaf extract unless advised—it’s not a substitute for monitoring and hydration.

5. Prevention: The Best Cure

Protecting yourself is simple but essential:

Empty standing water every 3 days from all containers

Use mosquito repellents, especially during day hours

Wear full-sleeved clothing

Use mosquito nets even during daytime naps

Keep window nets and screens intact

If you live in a dengue-prone locality or a society with poor drainage, notify PMC mosquito control services immediately.

Dr. Datta Nirgude’s Note:
“I’ve treated numerous dengue cases each monsoon. Timely diagnosis, platelet monitoring, and avoiding harmful self-medication are key. Dengue can usually be managed at home if caught early—but the real power lies in preventing mosquito bites in the first place.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can dengue happen twice?
Yes. There are 4 dengue virus types. Previous infection doesn’t provide complete immunity.

Q2. Is there a vaccine for dengue in India?
Currently, no dengue vaccine is widely available for public use in India.

Q3. When should I go to the hospital?
If your platelet count drops below 50,000 or there’s any bleeding or breathlessness, immediate hospital care is necessary.