Chennai's 1780 fever epidemic recognized as similar to dengue after centuries

In 1780, Madras faced an epidemic that later entered the history of Indian medicine. The illness was recorded as a fever, but the true cause of the disease remained undetermined.

Nearly two centuries later, researchers linked this outbreak to a disease similar to dengue, providing insight into the time when medicine could recognize disease patterns without determining its root cause.

This distinction is significant because dengue had not yet been understood as a viral disease. Laboratory tests to confirm infection were unavailable, and doctors could not identify the virus responsible for the illness.

Thus, the epidemic in Madras, now Chennai, is remembered as the first recorded outbreak of a clinically dengue-like illness in India, rather than a laboratory-confirmed dengue epidemic.

The Disease Before Its Name

The history of dengue goes deeper than its modern diagnosis. A Chinese medical encyclopedia from 992 AD described a fever associated with flying insects, although researchers cannot assert that it was dengue. Similar uncertainty surrounds many historical epidemics, as various infections can cause similar symptoms.

By the end of the 18th century, epidemics similar to dengue began to be recorded in various parts of Asia, Africa, and North America. In Philadelphia, physician Benjamin Rush described an epidemic in 1780 and later published a report on the disease in 1789, calling it 'bone-breaking fever' due to the severe pain experienced by patients.

The outbreak in Madras belongs to this broader history of unexplained epidemics. Modern medical reviews classify it as the earliest recorded dengue-like epidemic in India, but surviving historical records do not establish a definitive diagnosis.

This uncertainty is not uncommon. Before the advent of modern virology, doctors often relied on symptoms, disease patterns, and observations of how the disease spread. These records remain valuable, but they cannot always distinguish one infection from another.

When Science Began Identifying the Virus

A turning point came in the 20th century when researchers began isolating viruses responsible for diseases previously recognized only by clinical symptoms.

In 1943, Japanese scientists isolated the dengue virus during an epidemic in Nagasaki. The virus was isolated in Calcutta, now Kolkata, in 1944 from serum samples collected from American soldiers.

These discoveries transformed dengue research. Scientists were able to begin studying the virus itself, instead of relying entirely on symptoms and historical descriptions.

The first virologically confirmed dengue epidemic in India occurred in Calcutta and along the eastern coast in 1963–1964. This marked a crucial milestone, providing proof that the disease was circulating in the country.

The difference between the outbreaks in Madras and Calcutta is important. The 1780 epidemic provides evidence of a dengue-like illness, whereas the later outbreak established dengue through virological evidence. Both events belong to one broad history but represent different levels of scientific certainty.

Dengue is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, although Aedes albopictus can also transmit the virus. The disease can cause fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and in some cases, life-threatening complications.

The development of virology ultimately allowed researchers to distinguish dengue from other infections causing similar symptoms.

Historical Mystery with a Modern Lesson

The history of the 1780 Madras epidemic serves as a reminder that medical history is not always a straightforward account of discoveries. Sometimes the earliest evidence of a disease comes from records that cannot fully explain what happened.

Modern researchers have classified this outbreak as dengue-like, but its exact cause remains unknown. This qualifier does not diminish its significance. On the contrary, it highlights the limits of historical diagnosis and the importance of careful interpretation of medical records.

Today, dengue remains a serious public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions. The history of the disease in India spans from the recorded epidemic in Madras to the laboratory-confirmed outbreaks of the 20th century.

The 1780 epidemic may never yield a definitive diagnosis, but it remains an important clue in the long history of dengue. It shows that diseases that science identifies today may have affected communities long before there were tools to recognize them.

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timesofindia.indiatimes.comNovember 10, 14:02

India achieves immunization successes, but millions of people still miss vaccinations

The 'Do boond zindagi ki' campaign has transformed into one of the world's largest vaccination programs, leading to the eradication of smallpox and polio in India, and eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus as a threat to public health.

India's vaccination history is marked by ambitious campaigns and significant achievements in public health. The country was declared polio-free in 2014 and subsequently eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus as a public health issue a year later. During the Covid-19 pandemic, over 200 crore vaccines were administered, including preparations developed and manufactured in India.

The program continues to evolve: earlier this year, the government added a national vaccination drive for 14-year-old girls against the human papillomavirus (HPV) to protect against cervical cancer, and also launched a domestic tetanus and diphtheria vaccine (Td). According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, full immunization coverage increased from 62% in 2015 to 98.4% in January 2026, compared to 97.9% last year.

Nevertheless, serious challenges remain: hundreds of thousands of children miss necessary vaccinations due to uneven state-level coverage, and many elderly individuals also remain outside the vaccination program.

The Historical Path of Indian Vaccination

India's vaccination history spans over two centuries. The first smallpox vaccination in the country took place in Mumbai on June 14, 1802, following the arrival of vaccine lymph from abroad. Nearly a century later, in 1897, Dr. Waldemar Haffkine developed the first indigenous plague vaccine in India, also in Mumbai.

Government efforts to streamline immunization accelerated in 1962 with the launch of the national BCG program to combat tuberculosis. This was followed by the establishment of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in 1978, marking another step towards broader vaccine coverage. A turning point came in 1985 when India launched the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), providing free vaccines against 12 preventable diseases to children and pregnant women. This initiative laid the foundation for one of the world's largest government vaccination programs.

International Recognition of India's Vaccination Program

The scale of the current operation is immense. Annually, the UIP covers 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.54 crore newborns free of charge. The delivery and tracking of these doses are supported by an extensive network of public health centers, frontline workers, cold chain facilities, and digital systems.

The composition of vaccines has also expanded: while the initial focus was on diseases such as tuberculosis, polio, and tetanus, protection is now provided against a wider range of infections, including rotavirus diarrhea, measles, and severe diseases caused by pneumococcal bacteria.

Beyond expansion, major public health victories have been achieved: India has eradicated smallpox, ulcers, polio, and maternal and neonatal tetanus. Immunization has also contributed to reducing child mortality and lessening the burden of diseases like measles and rubella.

The Pulse Polio campaign, launched in 1995, was particularly significant, taking vaccination beyond medical institutions and transforming it into a nationwide movement. Its famous slogan, 'do boond zindagi ki', helped mobilize millions of people to participate. The last recorded case of wild poliovirus in India was on January 13, 2011, in Korah, West Bengal, and in 2014, the country received polio-free certification.

Maintaining high vaccination coverage is an ongoing process. Full immunization coverage stood at 94.7% in 2022–23, dropped to 93.7% in 2023–24, rose to 98.3% in 2024–25, and reached 97.9% in 2025–26. India has also made progress in covering children who received no routine vaccines, known as zero-dose children; their share decreased from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024.

The Science Behind Every Vaccine

Vaccination is not a one-time event. Some vaccines are given at birth, others follow at carefully calculated intervals, and some require booster doses to maintain protection. Essentially, a vaccine prepares the immune system to encounter a pathogenic microbe, teaching the body to recognize the threat and respond faster upon future contact, thereby reducing the risk of infection and preventing severe illness.

In India, this protection begins at birth: newborns receive vaccines against tuberculosis (BCG), polio, and hepatitis B. The Hepatitis B dose received at birth is particularly time-sensitive and must be administered within the first 24 hours.

The next stage begins at six weeks of age, followed by doses at ten and fourteen weeks. These vaccines protect against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, polio, rotavirus diarrhea, and infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib).

The schedule also includes pneumococcal vaccines to protect infants from serious infections, including certain types of pneumonia and meningitis. The schedule does not stop when children become toddlers: between nine and twelve months, children receive their first dose against measles and rubella, followed by a second dose at 16–24 months. Vaccines against Japanese encephalitis are also offered in endemic areas.

As children grow older, booster doses are administered. DPT boosters are given in early childhood, followed by Td vaccinations at ages ten and sixteen to maintain immunity.

The schedule is also expanding beyond childhood infections to include cancer prevention. On February 28, 2026, the government launched a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign, offering a free voluntary single dose to approximately 1.2 crore 14-year-old girls to protect against HPV infections that can lead to cervical cancer.

The pace of implementation has also increased: over 80 lakh doses were administered by September 11, with Uttar Pradesh providing the highest number—over 22 lakh. From a newborn's first vaccination to a teenager's HPV shot, India's immunization schedule covers various life stages. However, having vaccines in the calendar is only half the battle; ensuring that every eligible beneficiary receives the right dose at the right time remains a greater challenge.

Identifying Missed Vaccinations

Recent assessments by WHO and UNICEF for 2025 show that India is making steady progress in child vaccination. Approximately 97% received the first dose of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP), and 95% completed all three doses. Measles vaccination coverage was also encouraging: 98% of children received the first dose, and 95% received the second.

Another milestone achieved is the reduction in the number of zero-dose children, i.e., those who have not received even the first DTP vaccine dose. The number fell from approximately 9.09 lakh in 2024 to 6.79 lakh in 2025, representing a nearly 25% decrease in just one year. India also achieved an important first: for the first time since the WHO and UNICEF assessment began in 2001, it left the top ten countries with the highest number of children missing measles vaccinations.

However, progress is uneven. According to WHO estimates for 2025, only 70% of newborns received the Hepatitis B dose within 24 hours, and rotavirus vaccine coverage was 91%.

India has made stable progress toward universal immunization: according to vaccination cards, full immunization coverage among children aged 12–23 months increased from 83.8% to 87.1%. Household surveys also reveal a gap easily masked by national averages: disparities between states. Full immunization coverage among children aged 12–23 months ranged from 93.8% in Goa to only 64.3% in Nagaland, a gap of almost 30 percentage points.

This gap is also noticeable in Hepatitis B vaccination: while 91.9% of newborns in Goa received the dose at birth, this figure was only 46.4% in Nagaland. Thus, India's vaccination report may improve, but the results are far from evenly distributed, and a child's place of birth can significantly influence the level of protection they receive.

Barriers Preventing Access to Free Vaccinations

If childhood vaccines are free, why do so many children still miss vaccinations? The answer lies in barriers that go beyond the mere availability of the vaccines. Various factors, such as caregiver indecision, migration, and poor access to healthcare, can result in children remaining partially or completely unvaccinated.

A WHO report from April 2026 provides some insight into this issue. As part of its TrackVac initiative, the vaccination status of 224,698 children was assessed in 143 priority districts across 11 states during 2025. Among unvaccinated children, caregiver refusal accounted for 39% of cases, and migration for 34%.

Although this data is based on targeted districts and does not represent a nationwide survey, it highlights two main obstacles to India's immunization efforts: vaccine hesitancy and disruptions in healthcare access. Migration, in particular, can disrupt a child's vaccination schedule. A family moving from one city to another for work might get their child the first dose but miss subsequent visits after relocating. In remote villages and underserved urban settlements, long distances, transportation costs, limited awareness, and loss of daily wages can also deter families from returning for the next dose.

Misinformation and concerns about side effects exacerbate this problem. Since many vaccines require multiple doses, missing even one appointment can leave a child only partially protected. Therefore, the task is not just to make vaccines free, but also to ensure easy access for families, help them understand their importance, and complete the recommended vaccination schedule.

www.aajtak.inNovember 10, 00:59

Bangladesh Health Minister Takes Responsibility for Over 1200 Measles Deaths and Declares Readiness to Face Punishment

A measles outbreak in Bangladesh has led to severe devastation, claiming the lives of over 1200 people, most of whom are innocent children. Amid the rising death toll in the country, the political situation has intensified.

According to reports from Bengali newspapers 'Kaler Kantho' and 'Bangladesh Pratidin', Health Minister Sardar Mohammad Sahawat Hussain personally accepted responsibility for these casualties. He stated that he is ready to be hanged.

Minister Sardar Mohammad Sahawat Hussain emphasized: 'This is my responsibility. Hang me. This is my failure. But I made every effort. This is not my government's failure.'

Furthermore, he refuted claims about vaccine supplies from India, clarifying that only 8 percent of the vaccines arrived from India. The remaining vaccines were sourced from Germany, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Indonesia. These batches were inspected by the World Health Organization (WHO) and provided to UNICEF.

He also noted that most of the affected children were under six months old and unvaccinated.

On the other hand, the BNP government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, blames the former head of the interim government, Mohammad Yunus, for this crisis. As reported by 'The Daily Star', State Minister of Health Md A Mohit stated that due to the negligence of the Yunus administration, the national vaccination campaign was not conducted in a timely manner, and emergency supplies ran out.

Mohit reported that an investigation found that the national vaccination campaign, which was supposed to take place in late 2024 or early 2025, was not organized by the then administration. Additionally, the ministry lacked a reserve of emergency vaccines. He added that mass vaccination had not taken place in the country since 2020 because the campaign was postponed indefinitely in 2024 due to political instability. A three-member committee has been formed to investigate this matter.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services, as of the end of 24 hours on November 9, the total number of victims reached 1284, including two potential cases. Of these, 105 deaths were confirmed in the laboratory, and the number of suspected cases is 1179.

Currently, over 240 thousand suspected cases of measles have been registered in Bangladesh, with 24,523 cases confirmed by laboratory testing. Despite the government launching an emergency vaccination campaign with the support of international agencies, the wave of deaths and infections is not subsiding.

super.abril.com.brNovember 2, 22:00

Shamond virus, previously thought to affect animals, infects and kills human in France

According to European health authorities, a person with a weakened immune system was infected with the Shamond virus and died as a result of this infection in France. This case is significant because it was previously believed that the pathogen exclusively affects animals, particularly cattle, and this is the first registered case among humans.

Despite this incident, experts and health authorities note that the probability of an outbreak or epidemic of this virus remains low.

The Shamond virus was discovered in Nigeria in 1965. It primarily infects ruminant animals such as cows, sheep, and goats, causing fever, diarrhea, and reduced milk yields. In adult animals, it is rarely fatal.

Transmission of the virus occurs through bites of mosquitoes of the genus Culicoides, known as maruvi or powder mosquitoes. This virus is a relative of the Oropuche virus, which has affected thousands of Brazilians in recent years.

In July 2026, an outbreak caused by two new Shamond variants was detected in livestock in Europe, initially in Switzerland and Germany. The disease spread to farms in France, Spain, Portugal, and other countries.

The man's death occurred on October 9th. He was over 60 years old, lived in a rural area of the Rhône-Alpes region, where the virus was already circulating among animals, and was battling cancer. The symptoms he exhibited included diarrhea, vision loss, confusion, and other neurological problems. His condition progressed to encephalitis, which proved fatal.

According to a report published in the journal Eurosurveillance, it is most likely that the man was infected after a maruvi bite. Less likely hypotheses include infection through consuming contaminated food or after blood transfusion.

The patient suffered from severe leukemia and had a weakened immune system, which, according to scientists, likely exacerbated his condition. A weak immune system can allow the virus to remain in the body longer and reach more organs. Autopsy revealed high viral levels in the man's brain, liver, and spleen.

The Shamond virus is not detected by standard blood tests; doctors had to sequence the RNA present in the patient's samples. The virus genome found in the man's body was very similar to that circulating in animals, with an emphasis on five mutations. Researchers do not yet know if these changes make the virus more transmissible to humans.