November 4, 2025 : As India continues to battle recurring dengue outbreaks year after year, health experts are increasingly emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen the country’s entomology capabilities—the scientific study of insects, especially mosquitoes that transmit diseases. With dengue cases crossing record highs in multiple states and climate change expanding mosquito breeding seasons, entomologists believe the country’s existing surveillance and vector-control mechanisms are not enough to handle the growing threat. Strengthening entomology, they argue, is the missing pillar in India’s long-term dengue prevention strategy.
Dengue, transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, has evolved into one of India’s most persistent public health challenges. Urbanization, water stagnation, overcrowding, and changing rainfall patterns have created ideal breeding environments for the mosquito. While public campaigns encourage people to remove standing water and government bodies conduct fogging drives, experts say these measures address only the surface of a much larger problem. What India needs, according to entomologists, is a modernized, science-backed mosquito surveillance and control network that predicts outbreaks before they occur.
Entomologists explain that dengue control begins long before mosquitoes infect humans. It requires year-round monitoring of mosquito species, breeding hotspots, larval density, viral circulation, and insecticide resistance. Unfortunately, India’s entomology infrastructure remains significantly underdeveloped. Many municipal corporations lack trained entomologists, while state laboratories operate with outdated equipment and limited manpower. As a result, by the time dengue cases begin to rise in hospitals, the outbreak is already well underway.
One of the biggest gaps experts highlight is the lack of real-time entomological data. Most Indian cities do not have systems to continuously track mosquito population patterns or identify early warning signs of an outbreak. Advanced countries use GIS mapping, satellite data, and smart mosquito traps to monitor vector density, but India is still largely dependent on manual inspections and sporadic field visits. Strengthening data-driven mosquito surveillance could help predict outbreak hotspots weeks in advance, enabling targeted control measures.
Another major challenge is insecticide resistance. Over the years, Aedes mosquitoes in many regions have developed resistance to commonly used insecticides. Fogging, once considered a powerful tool, is now less effective in several urban centers. Entomologists warn that unless India invests in regular resistance testing, new insecticide formulations, and alternative vector control strategies, dengue outbreaks will become harder to control. They point to the need for integrated vector management that includes biological controls, environmental sanitation, and selective use of chemicals based on scientific evidence.
Emerging technologies offer promising solutions. Genetic mosquito control techniques—such as sterile male releases, Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, and gene-drive technologies—are being tested in different parts of the world with encouraging results. These methods reduce mosquito populations or block the virus from multiplying within the insect. India has initiated preliminary discussions about adopting such technologies, but experts argue that without a strong entomology backbone, implementing and evaluating these advanced tools will be challenging.
Climate change is another factor intensifying dengue transmission. Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall allow mosquitoes to breed throughout the year instead of only during monsoons. Entomologists stress that models predicting mosquito behavior must be updated to reflect climate-driven patterns. They also call for collaboration between meteorological departments and public health agencies to create climate-based dengue forecasting systems. Such models can guide public health departments to issue alerts and implement preventive measures ahead of time.
Education and workforce development also form a crucial part of strengthening entomology. India currently faces a severe shortage of trained vector biologists and mosquito ecology experts. Many districts do not have dedicated entomologists, leaving general health workers to manage vector control duties without specialized training. Experts recommend creating structured academic programs, training modules for local health staff, and certification systems to standardize entomological practices across states.
Public cooperation remains equally essential. Household-level breeding sites account for a large percentage of mosquito development. Even the most advanced entomology strategies cannot succeed without active participation from citizens. Experts emphasize that awareness programs must be redesigned using behavioral science, community engagement models, and localized messaging. Traditional posters and announcements have limited impact; modern communication strategies using digital platforms, school programs, and community volunteers can create stronger behavior change.
To successfully strengthen entomology, experts propose a multi-layered national strategy. This includes upgrading laboratories with modern equipment, investing in research on mosquito biology, creating centralized vector surveillance databases, and integrating entomological indicators into public health decision-making. They also stress the importance of interdepartmental collaboration—urban development, water management, waste disposal, and housing policies all influence mosquito breeding and must be aligned with vector control goals.
Another important recommendation is decentralizing entomology services. Instead of relying solely on state-level labs, experts suggest creating district-level entomology cells equipped with trained personnel and rapid testing facilities. This would enable swift action during outbreaks and improve local understanding of mosquito behavior.
Ultimately, experts agree that India’s fight against dengue cannot rely on seasonal action plans or emergency fogging drives. A long-term, science-led entomology system is essential to break the cycle of recurring outbreaks. With dengue cases rising earlier each year and affecting more people, the time for urgent action is now. Strengthening entomology will not only help control dengue but also prepare the country for future vector-borne diseases like Zika, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis.
India stands at a turning point. By investing in robust entomology infrastructure, adopting modern surveillance tools, and empowering trained mosquito scientists, the country has the opportunity to shift from reactive dengue control to proactive prevention. Experts believe that if these steps are taken now, India can significantly reduce the burden of dengue and create a healthier, safer environment for future generations.
Summary
Experts say India must strengthen entomology, modernize mosquito surveillance, track insecticide resistance, and adopt scientific vector-control strategies to curb recurring dengue outbreaks and prevent future vector-borne disease threats.