While dengue has already taken the country in its grip, experts say India may face a “wild spread” of the deadly fever this year, similar to 2006. Initial investigations by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) have found out that Type I dengue, also known as the outbreak strain, has surfaced in the country.

“Investigations based on serum samples received by the NICD reveal that Type I dengue is spreading in the country. The other strains may be present too,” Dr Shiv Lal, Director, NICD told the Indian Express.

Accompanied by the Type III virus, Type I dengue virus surfaced in India after nearly a decade-long gap in 2006.

While the deaths in 2006 occurred due to Type III, the spread was the result of Type I. More than 3,000 dengue cases were reported from the Capital in 2006.

“Type 1 is not a dangerous strain but the virus results in the disease spreading fast, with the typical symptoms of fever and pain in joints. The genotype is also similar to that of 2006,” said an expert from NICD.

There are four distinct but closely related viruses that cause dengue. Among them, dengue Type II and IV result in mortality.

The first dengue outbreak was in 1996, when Type II dengue, a severe form of the infection, spread along with genotype IV. There were around 550 deaths, with over 10,500 people infected in Delhi alone.

Cases of Type II continued in 2001 and 2002. However, in 2003, dengue Type III was seen. The Type I strain surfaced after a gap in 2006.

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