India reports over 1.64 lakh cases of vector-borne diseases till June 2026; Reduced deaths from malaria and dengue fever

India has recorded more than 1.64 lakh cases of vector-borne diseases across the country till June 2026, with malaria and dengue cases and deaths falling compared to the corresponding period of 2025, according to data presented in the Rajya Sabha by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Official figures show that malaria cases declined to 69,713 cases and 15 deaths as of June 2026, compared to 98,511 cases and 26 deaths during the same period in 2025.

Dengue cases and deaths are also declining

Dengue cases also recorded a decline, with 23,952 cases and 31 deaths reported as of June 2026, compared to 25,492 cases and 36 deaths in the corresponding period last year.

Chikungunya cases decreased from 75,784 in 2025 to 70,511 in 2026, with no deaths reported in either period.

Decreased incidence of kala azar, increased deaths due to Japanese encephalitis

Cases of kala azar decreased to 198 cases, with no deaths reported, compared to 292 cases during the same period in 2025.

However, Japanese encephalitis has a high mortality rate despite low infection rates. Cases fell from 274 in 2025 to 202 in 2026, while deaths more than doubled to 21 from nine during the corresponding period last year.

The Center supports countries with prevention measures

Financial and technical support is being provided to states and union territories through the National Health Mission (NHM) and the National Vector-Borne Disease Control Center (NCVBDC), the ministry said.

Preparedness measures include indoor insecticide spraying, use of bio-larvicides, distribution of mosquito nets, real-time disease tracking through an integrated health information portal and supplies of early diagnosis kits.

The ministry confirmed that no state has reported shortages or requested additional central assistance to combat the outbreak during the current southwest monsoon season.