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El Nino Fuels Dengue: India Faces High Health Risks
10 Sep
Summary
- WHO flags India at high risk due to El Nino's impact on weather.
- Delhi reports surge in dengue cases, highest monthly tally this year.
- El Nino modifies health risks; heat and rainfall changes are key concerns.
A World Health Organization assessment indicates India is at high or very high risk from an intensifying El Nino event, which is disrupting global weather patterns. This assessment, released on September 5, 2026, anticipates drier conditions and above-normal heat across South Asia from August to October.
In parallel, vector-borne diseases are increasing in India. Delhi recorded 90 dengue cases in August 2026, the highest for any month this year, bringing the total to 311 by August 29. Malaria cases also saw an increase. The WHO notes that while not directly linking current cases to El Nino, it acts as a risk modifier.
Key concerns for India include extreme heat leading to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and the worsening of existing cardiovascular, respiratory, and kidney illnesses. Changes in rainfall patterns may affect food production and availability. The WHO also highlighted potential for increased disease transmission across the India-Nepal and India-Bhutan borders due to displacement.
