El Niño May Increase Dengue Risk

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, have found that El Niño related weather conditions could increase the risk of dengue outbreaks. Their 12 year study suggests that inadequate rainfall creates favorable conditions for mosquito eggs and larvae to survive and multiply, raising the chances of disease transmission.

Based on the findings, the researchers have developed an early warning system that uses weather patterns to predict potential dengue outbreaks. The system is expected to help health authorities take timely preventive measures and improve disease surveillance in vulnerable regions.