Kerala sees sharp rise in Dengue and Zika; ICMR launches study after 378 cases in January alone

Kottayam: Dengue and Zika infections are rising sharply in Kerala, with the state reporting some of the highest numbers of dengue cases in the country. In January 2026 alone, 378 confirmed dengue cases and four deaths were recorded. In 2025, the state reported 10,886 Zika cases, with 56 associated deaths.

Why the sudden surge?

According to a research team led by senior ICMR scientist Alex Eappen, a dangerous combination of favourable climate conditions, man-made mosquito breeding sites, high population density and rich biodiversity is driving the spread of arboviral diseases in the state.

Official data show that in 2023, as many as 17,426 people were affected by dengue in Kerala, with 153 deaths reported. The number of cases rose further in 2024 to 20,674, though the death toll declined to 128. Health officials have also observed that major outbreaks tend to occur every three to four years.

ICMR study

Against this backdrop, the state government has approved a new long-term study proposed by the ICMR–Vector Control Research Centre under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The study will examine how dengue and Zika infections begin, the factors that determine their severity, changes in the viruses over time, and the impact of co-infection with both viruses.

The study, which is set to begin this month, aims to provide greater clarity on how mosquito-borne viral diseases spread and evolve in Kerala, and to support more effective prevention and control measures.