Mapping dengue cases through a national network of laboratories, 2014-2015

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease, is a major public health problem globally1. It has been estimated that more than 390 million dengue infections occur every year, of which 96 million manifest clinically2,3. India contributes to about a third of global burden of apparent dengue infections2,3. As per India’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, more than 100 dengue outbreaks were reported in 20154. Good laboratory-based disease surveillance is essential for early detection of dengue outbreaks and implementation of effective preventive and control measures1.