Health and Me

Ishita Roy

National Dengue Day 2025: Theme, Importance, Significance, and Origin

National Dengue Day 2025

Every year on May 16, India observes <span>National <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/dengue">Dengue</a> Day</span>. This day raises awareness about the growing threat of <span>dengue</span> fever, especially during the monsoon season. Usually, it is during the monsoon that due to stagnant water, mosquito breeding increases. The government also aims to highlight the importance of prevention, public participation for awareness, as well as timely medical care to control the spread of the disease.

<h4><span rel="noindex">National Dengue Day 2025</span> Theme:</h4>

Each year, a unique theme is observed in order to raise awareness. This year, the main theme is people-led prevention. The theme is : Act Early, Prevent Dengue: Clean Surroundings, Healthy Living.

The Ministry of Health designated May 16 as National Dengue Day in 2010. This was done to intervene when dengue cases increased throughout the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), "Dengue epidemics tend to have seasonal patterns, with transmission often peaking during and after rainy seasons. There are several factors contributing to this increase, and they include high mosquito population levels, susceptibility to circulating serotypes, favourable air temperatures, precipitation and humidity, all of which affect the reproduction and feeding patterns of mosquito populations, as well as the dengue virus incubation period. Lack of proactive control interventions and staff are some of the other challenges."

Due to climate change, monsoon has arrived early, thus the Union Health Ministry has directed all air, sea, and land ports across the country to step up surveillance for vector-borne diseases. Authorities have been asked to strengthen preventive and control measures to curb the spread of infections such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever.

The advisory comes amid concerns over rising cases during the rainy season, a period that typically sees a surge in mosquito breeding and transmission. India continues to report a significant number of cases and deaths linked to vector-borne illnesses each year, making early intervention and preparedness critical.

As per a 2012 study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, the official journal of the Indian Council of Medical Research, titled Dengue in India, notes that it was in 1780 when the first epidemic of clinical dengue-like illness was recorded in Madras (now Chennai). The first virologically proved epidemic of dengue fever occurred in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and the Eastern Coast of India in 1963-64.

However, during the last 50 years, notes the study, a large number of physicians have treated and described dengue diseases in India, but the scientific studies which address problems with regard to the disease may have been limited.

The study notes that Dengue is an acute viral infection with potential fatal complications. It was first referred to as "water poison" associated with flying insects in a Chinese medical encyclopedia in 992 from the Jin Dynasty.

The word "dengue" is derived from the Swahili phrase Ka-dinga pepo, which means "cramp-like seizure". The first clinically recognized dengue epidemics occurred simultaneously in Asia, Africa, and North America in the 1780s.

As per Global Medicine, the first clinical case report dates from 1789 of 1780 epidemic in Philadelphia is by Benjamin Rush, who coined the term “break bone fever” because of the symptoms of myalgia and arthralgia.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dengue viruses usually spread to people through the bites of infected Aedes species mosquitoes. This mosquito bites a person infected with the dengue virus and then becomes infected. The infected mosquito then bites people and infects them with the dengue virus.

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Every year on May 16, India observes National Dengue Day. This day raises awareness about the growing threat of dengue fever, especially during the monsoon season. Usually, it is during the monsoon that due to stagnant water, mosquito breeding increases. The government also aims to highlight the importance of prevention, public participation for awareness, as well as timely medical care to control the spread of the disease.National Dengue Day 2025 Theme:Each year, a unique theme is observed in order to raise awareness. This year, the main theme is people-led prevention. The theme is : Act Early, Prevent Dengue: Clean Surroundings, Healthy Living.Origin of National Dengue DayThe Ministry of Health designated May 16 as National Dengue Day in 2010. This was done to intervene when dengue cases increased throughout the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons.As per the World Health Organization (WHO), "Dengue epidemics tend to have seasonal patterns, with transmission often peaking during and after rainy seasons. There are several factors contributing to this increase, and they include high mosquito population levels, susceptibility to circulating serotypes, favourable air temperatures, precipitation and humidity, all of which affect the reproduction and feeding patterns of mosquito populations, as well as the dengue virus incubation period. Lack of proactive control interventions and staff are some of the other challenges."Dengue And India: SignificanceDue to climate change, monsoon has arrived early, thus the Union Health Ministry has directed all air, sea, and land ports across the country to step up surveillance for vector-borne diseases. Authorities have been asked to strengthen preventive and control measures to curb the spread of infections such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. The advisory comes amid concerns over rising cases during the rainy season, a period that typically sees a surge in mosquito breeding and transmission. India continues to report a significant number of cases and deaths linked to vector-borne illnesses each year, making early intervention and preparedness critical.Dengue and India: HistoryAs per a 2012 study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, the official journal of the Indian Council of Medical Research, titled Dengue in India, notes that it was in 1780 when the first epidemic of clinical dengue-like illness was recorded in Madras (now Chennai). The first virologically proved epidemic of dengue fever occurred in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and the Eastern Coast of India in 1963-64.However, during the last 50 years, notes the study, a large number of physicians have treated and described dengue diseases in India, but the scientific studies which address problems with regard to the disease may have been limited.What is Dengue?The study notes that Dengue is an acute viral infection with potential fatal complications. It was first referred to as "water poison" associated with flying insects in a Chinese medical encyclopedia in 992 from the Jin Dynasty.The word "dengue" is derived from the Swahili phrase Ka-dinga pepo, which means "cramp-like seizure". The first clinically recognized dengue epidemics occurred simultaneously in Asia, Africa, and North America in the 1780s.As per Global Medicine, the first clinical case report dates from 1789 of 1780 epidemic in Philadelphia is by Benjamin Rush, who coined the term “break bone fever” because of the symptoms of myalgia and arthralgia.How Does Dengue Happen?As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dengue viruses usually spread to people through the bites of infected Aedes species mosquitoes. This mosquito bites a person infected with the dengue virus and then becomes infected. The infected mosquito then bites people and infects them with the dengue virus.

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Every year, May 16 is <span>National Dengue Day</span>, a public health initiative that aims to bring attention to one of the globe's most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral diseases. But as the limelight is once again back on dengue prevention and control, a new study is changing the conversation from the short-term risk of dengue to the insidious, long-term damage it can inflict on the future generation.

A recent study published has highlighted an underemphasized but very important issue of maternal health: the long-term effect of <span>dengue fever in pregnancy</span> on newborns. Although <span>dengue fever</span> is a well-documented mosquito-transmitted disease endemic to tropical and subtropical parts of the world, the novel evidence points toward its long-lasting effects on pregnancy outcomes and children's health till the age of three years.

As the world fights rising dengue epidemics fueled in part by climate change and urbanization—knowing how this virus impacts pregnant women and their unborn babies is more critical than ever.

Dengue fever infects almost half of the world's population. In 2023 alone, over three million cases were reported in the Americas, triggering alarms over its explosive growth. Notwithstanding its ubiquity, risks of dengue fever in pregnancy have not been given sufficient attentionuntil now.

Scientists from the UK's Universities of Birmingham and Surrey, employing a huge data set from Brazil's Minas Gerais state, have presented a strong argument for the long-term effect of the virus. The study, published in the American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, points out how even uncomplicated dengue infection in pregnancy has significantly affected the course of a child's life.

The research followed more than 300,000 mother-child pairs from 2011 to 2017. Researchers matched birth certificates, hospitalization rates, and reports of dengue infection to determine how maternal infection influenced early childhood health outcomes.

The study’s findings draw a sharp line between <span>maternal dengue infection</span> and significant early-life health risks for children. Researchers discovered that children born to mothers who contracted dengue during pregnancy faced a 27% higher risk of hospitalization from birth to age three. Alarmingly, this risk peaked in the second year of life, with a 76% increase in hospitalization during that period alone — a stage critical for early development. In addition to hospitalization risks, birth weight outcomes were notably affected. Babies born to infected mothers were 15% more likely to have low birth weight, with more severe outcomes indicating a 67% higher chance of very low birth weight and a staggering 133% increased risk of extremely low birth weight. 

These outcomes are medically significant, as birth weight is a well-established predictor of both immediate neonatal health and long-term developmental and socioeconomic trajectories.

These staggering statistics highlight not only the immediate health consequences for newborns but also the possibility of long-term developmental and socio-economic issues.

<h2>Why Low Birth Weight Is A Sign Of Something Serious?</h2>

Low birth weight is a documented risk factor for many health complications throughout an individual's lifetime. Underweight babies are at higher risk of:

<ul><li>Delayed physical and intellectual development</li><li>Increased susceptibility to infections and chronic diseases</li><li>Greater risk of metabolic disorders in adulthood</li></ul>

Dr. Livia Menezes, co-author of the University of Birmingham study, underscored this association, adding, "These birth outcomes can have longer-term impacts—for example, previous research has shown that low birth weight can negatively affect socio-economic outcomes and health in adulthood."

<h2>Dengue Transmission and Symptoms During Pregnancy</h2>

Dengue fever is due to the dengue virus and spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, predominantly Aedes aegypti. Pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester, are highly susceptible as they can vertically transmit the virus to their fetus.

The signs of dengue fever during pregnancy vary from mild to severe and can include:

<ul><li>Fever</li><li>Headache and orbital pain</li><li>Nausea and vomiting</li><li>Rash, particularly on palms and soles</li><li>Muscle and joint ache</li><li>Enlarged glands</li></ul>

Severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever) may cause internal bleeding, organ failure, and death when left untreated. Warning signs of severe dengue are persistent vomiting, severe stomach pain, bleeding gums, and inability to breathe.

Historically limited to the tropics, dengue fever is increasingly spreading thanks to global warming. Increasing temperatures and urbanisation have enabled the Aedes mosquito to flourish in southern Europe and even US states.

As economist and co-author Dr. Martin Foureaux Koppensteiner of the University of Surrey describes, the consequences extend beyond personal health: "These adverse birth outcomes… have a much broader effect on communities where dengue is endemic. Hospitalization and long-term health problems caused by maternal infection all cost something—one that might be avoided or at least reduced with greater awareness and better policy."

Furthermore, healthcare systems need to plan for long-term pediatric care in children who were exposed to dengue in utero. These include monitoring for birth weights, developmental milestones, and providing access to early interventions when necessary.

These research findings present the global health community with a urgent wake-up call. Dengue fever is no mere seasonal plague—it is an interrupter of a child's life from an early age. With its spread and underemphasized consequences, especially among pregnant women, dengue needs to gain a greater space on the agenda of maternal health.

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dengue hospitalization infants

Every year, May 16 is National Dengue Day, a public health initiative that aims to bring attention to one of the globe's most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral diseases. But as the limelight is once again back on dengue prevention and control, a new study is changing the conversation from the short-term risk of dengue to the insidious, long-term damage it can inflict on the future generation.A recent study published has highlighted an underemphasized but very important issue of maternal health: the long-term effect of dengue fever in pregnancy on newborns. Although dengue fever is a well-documented mosquito-transmitted disease endemic to tropical and subtropical parts of the world, the novel evidence points toward its long-lasting effects on pregnancy outcomes and children's health till the age of three years.As the world fights rising dengue epidemics fueled in part by climate change and urbanization—knowing how this virus impacts pregnant women and their unborn babies is more critical than ever.Dengue fever infects almost half of the world's population. In 2023 alone, over three million cases were reported in the Americas, triggering alarms over its explosive growth. Notwithstanding its ubiquity, risks of dengue fever in pregnancy have not been given sufficient attentionuntil now.Scientists from the UK's Universities of Birmingham and Surrey, employing a huge data set from Brazil's Minas Gerais state, have presented a strong argument for the long-term effect of the virus. The study, published in the American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, points out how even uncomplicated dengue infection in pregnancy has significantly affected the course of a child's life.The research followed more than 300,000 mother-child pairs from 2011 to 2017. Researchers matched birth certificates, hospitalization rates, and reports of dengue infection to determine how maternal infection influenced early childhood health outcomes.The study’s findings draw a sharp line between maternal dengue infection and significant early-life health risks for children. Researchers discovered that children born to mothers who contracted dengue during pregnancy faced a 27% higher risk of hospitalization from birth to age three. Alarmingly, this risk peaked in the second year of life, with a 76% increase in hospitalization during that period alone — a stage critical for early development. In addition to hospitalization risks, birth weight outcomes were notably affected. Babies born to infected mothers were 15% more likely to have low birth weight, with more severe outcomes indicating a 67% higher chance of very low birth weight and a staggering 133% increased risk of extremely low birth weight. These outcomes are medically significant, as birth weight is a well-established predictor of both immediate neonatal health and long-term developmental and socioeconomic trajectories.These staggering statistics highlight not only the immediate health consequences for newborns but also the possibility of long-term developmental and socio-economic issues.Why Low Birth Weight Is A Sign Of Something Serious?Low birth weight is a documented risk factor for many health complications throughout an individual's lifetime. Underweight babies are at higher risk of:Delayed physical and intellectual developmentIncreased susceptibility to infections and chronic diseasesGreater risk of metabolic disorders in adulthoodDr. Livia Menezes, co-author of the University of Birmingham study, underscored this association, adding, "These birth outcomes can have longer-term impacts—for example, previous research has shown that low birth weight can negatively affect socio-economic outcomes and health in adulthood."Dengue Transmission and Symptoms During PregnancyDengue fever is due to the dengue virus and spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, predominantly Aedes aegypti. Pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester, are highly susceptible as they can vertically transmit the virus to their fetus.The signs of dengue fever during pregnancy vary from mild to severe and can include:FeverHeadache and orbital painNausea and vomitingRash, particularly on palms and solesMuscle and joint acheEnlarged glandsSevere dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever) may cause internal bleeding, organ failure, and death when left untreated. Warning signs of severe dengue are persistent vomiting, severe stomach pain, bleeding gums, and inability to breathe.Historically limited to the tropics, dengue fever is increasingly spreading thanks to global warming. Increasing temperatures and urbanisation have enabled the Aedes mosquito to flourish in southern Europe and even US states.As economist and co-author Dr. Martin Foureaux Koppensteiner of the University of Surrey describes, the consequences extend beyond personal health: "These adverse birth outcomes… have a much broader effect on communities where dengue is endemic. Hospitalization and long-term health problems caused by maternal infection all cost something—one that might be avoided or at least reduced with greater awareness and better policy."Furthermore, healthcare systems need to plan for long-term pediatric care in children who were exposed to dengue in utero. These include monitoring for birth weights, developmental milestones, and providing access to early interventions when necessary.These research findings present the global health community with a urgent wake-up call. Dengue fever is no mere seasonal plague—it is an interrupter of a child's life from an early age. With its spread and underemphasized consequences, especially among pregnant women, dengue needs to gain a greater space on the agenda of maternal health.

dengue fever during pregnancy can affect your baby's health  for first 3 years

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‘Prevention is the best cure’ and that holds true for many diseases and conditions. Although you may be unable to cure some conditions, catching them early can help you get the condition in control and helps you maintain your quality of life. That’s why people are urged to get screening for conditions regularly like <span>cancer</span>. People undergo cancer screenings to check for cancer or abnormal cells that may become cancerous in the future. These screenings can help early diagnosis, even if you are a seemingly healthy person. 

This has been endorsed by many health experts and professionals; however, a new survey shows that people are still behind on their cancer screening schedules by almost a year and a half. 

A recent survey done by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) looked at how often adults are getting their recommended cancer screenings. The results showed that a large number – almost one out of every three adults (that's 31%) – have not had these important checkups for more than a year. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">What Is Preventing People From Getting Screened</span>? </h2>

The survey also asked people why they hadn't gotten their cancer screenings. The biggest reason, given by more than half of the people (53%), was the cost they would have to pay out of their own pockets. This means that for many, the price of the screening itself was a major barrier. Another big worry for almost half of the people (47%) was dealing with their insurance company. They were concerned about whether their insurance would actually approve and pay for the screenings, even if they were supposed to be covered under their plan. This hassle and uncertainty about insurance coverage also stopped people from getting the potentially life-saving tests they needed. 

<h2>Money Problems Lead to Late Diagnosis </h2>

Lisa Lacasse, the president of ACS CAN, explained that when people have to pay a lot of money out of their own pockets, it can stop them from getting important cancer screenings. This can mean that cancers are found later, which can lead to worse health. 

She added, "To make sure everyone has a fair chance at good health care, it's really important for the people who make laws to make it easier for people to get cancer screenings without paying much or anything at all. This can be done by making sure insurance covers more, reaching out to communities, and having public health programs." 

<h2>How Can We Cross These Health Roadblocks? </h2>

Policy experts discussed this survey information at a meeting held by ACS CAN in Washington, D.C. They talked about how important it is to find out what payment and cost issues are stopping people from getting screened. They also talked about getting rid of these problems so more people can get checked and to encourage more money to be spent on new ways to screen for cancer early. 

Lacasse also raised concerns about a recent budget plan that would cut funding for the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that focuses on preventing and finding cancer early. This program has helped millions of people get important screening tests. 

 The information in the survey comes from online responses of 1,000 adults aged 45 and older across the country. The survey was done between April 25th and 28th, 2025. The people who answered the survey represented the general population in terms of age and where they live. The differences mentioned in the findings are statistically significant, meaning they are likely to be real and not just due to chance. 

Lacasse said, "That's why it's so important for Congress to use its power to protect the money that goes towards preventing and finding cancer early." 

People are behind on their cancer screenings

Cancer

What Is Preventing People From Getting Screened

cancer screening recommendation

Cancer care

Cancer Prevention

‘Prevention is the best cure’ and that holds true for many diseases and conditions. Although you may be unable to cure some conditions, catching them early can help you get the condition in control and helps you maintain your quality of life. That’s why people are urged to get screening for conditions regularly like cancer. People undergo cancer screenings to check for cancer or abnormal cells that may become cancerous in the future. These screenings can help early diagnosis, even if you are a seemingly healthy person. This has been endorsed by many health experts and professionals; however, a new survey shows that people are still behind on their cancer screening schedules by almost a year and a half. A recent survey done by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) looked at how often adults are getting their recommended cancer screenings. The results showed that a large number – almost one out of every three adults (that's 31%) – have not had these important checkups for more than a year. What Is Preventing People From Getting Screened? The survey also asked people why they hadn't gotten their cancer screenings. The biggest reason, given by more than half of the people (53%), was the cost they would have to pay out of their own pockets. This means that for many, the price of the screening itself was a major barrier. Another big worry for almost half of the people (47%) was dealing with their insurance company. They were concerned about whether their insurance would actually approve and pay for the screenings, even if they were supposed to be covered under their plan. This hassle and uncertainty about insurance coverage also stopped people from getting the potentially life-saving tests they needed. Money Problems Lead to Late Diagnosis Lisa Lacasse, the president of ACS CAN, explained that when people have to pay a lot of money out of their own pockets, it can stop them from getting important cancer screenings. This can mean that cancers are found later, which can lead to worse health. She added, "To make sure everyone has a fair chance at good health care, it's really important for the people who make laws to make it easier for people to get cancer screenings without paying much or anything at all. This can be done by making sure insurance covers more, reaching out to communities, and having public health programs." How Can We Cross These Health Roadblocks? Policy experts discussed this survey information at a meeting held by ACS CAN in Washington, D.C. They talked about how important it is to find out what payment and cost issues are stopping people from getting screened. They also talked about getting rid of these problems so more people can get checked and to encourage more money to be spent on new ways to screen for cancer early. Lacasse also raised concerns about a recent budget plan that would cut funding for the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that focuses on preventing and finding cancer early. This program has helped millions of people get important screening tests.  The information in the survey comes from online responses of 1,000 adults aged 45 and older across the country. The survey was done between April 25th and 28th, 2025. The people who answered the survey represented the general population in terms of age and where they live. The differences mentioned in the findings are statistically significant, meaning they are likely to be real and not just due to chance. Lacasse said, "That's why it's so important for Congress to use its power to protect the money that goes towards preventing and finding cancer early."  

one-third adults are an year behind on their cancer screenings schedules: report

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A surprising, but encouraging turn takes place in the United States as <span>drug overdose deaths</span> show a dramatic decline. This is based on the new provisional data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (<span>CDC</span>), that showed that these cases have plummeted by nearly 30% in 2024 as compared to in 2023. 

The National Center for Health Statistics also estimated a 27% drop from 110,037 deaths in 2023 to 80,391 in 2024. This has marked the lowest total since 2019. 

This significant drop, while still based on the provisional data that could differ from the final count does offer a hopeful sign in the long battle against an epidemic that has claimed as many as more than 1 million lives since 1999. This also remains to be the leading cause of deaths for Americans aged 18 to 44. 

Health experts and CDC officials have attributed this decline to years of targeted federal investment and enhanced data systems. In fact, President Donald Trump also declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency in 2017. Furthermore, the Congress also funded expanded CDC programs that now help states to collect real-time overdose data. 

In fact, recently, the US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr also opened up about his own battle with drug addiction and his journey to recovery. 

“These investments have empowered us to rapidly collect, analyze, and share actionable data,” the CDC said in a statement. “Since late 2023, overdose deaths have steadily declined each month — a strong sign that public health interventions are making a difference.”

<h4>Where Does The Most Decline Account For?</h4>

Much of the overall decrease is driven by fewer deaths from fentanyl and other opioids. 

As per the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic, based on prescription. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic. It is also known as China Girl, China Town, Murder 8, Poison and Tango &amp; Cash as its street name. 

It is consumed by snorting, sniffing, smoking, orally by a pill or tablet, or spiked onto blotter paper and patches. 

The DEA notes that overdose can cause stupor, changes in pupil size, clammy skin, cyanosis, coma, and respiratory failure leading to death. 

 Fentanyl-related deaths fell by nearly 37%, from 76,282 in 2023 to 48,422 in 2024. Deaths involving any type of opioid also dropped significantly — down from 83,140 to 54,743.

Other drugs showed similar trends. Cocaine overdose deaths decreased from an estimated 30,833 to 22,174. Psychostimulant-related deaths, including those from methamphetamine, declined by 20%, from 37,096 to 29,456.

Nearly all states showed progress. States such as Louisiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia posted the most dramatic single-year declines each over 35%. 

Only two states bucked the trend. Nevada saw a 3.5% rise in overdose deaths, while South Dakota reported a 2.3% increase.

Experts point to a variety of factors. Dr. Stephen Taylor, president of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, credits greater access to addiction treatment services and wider availability of naloxone, a drug that reverses overdoses.

“I think the most important issue has been the expanded access to care,” Taylor said. However, he warns that proposed cuts — such as Trump’s suggested $1 billion reduction in funding to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — could threaten the progress made.

Dr. Daniel Ciccarone, a researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, believes fewer new people becoming addicted may also play a key role. “Epidemics come to an end because the number of new people entering the drug scene drops below the number exiting — whether through recovery, treatment, or sadly, death,” he said to US News.

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drug overdose deaths

decline in drug overdose

us drug overdose

A surprising, but encouraging turn takes place in the United States as drug overdose deaths show a dramatic decline. This is based on the new provisional data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that showed that these cases have plummeted by nearly 30% in 2024 as compared to in 2023. The National Center for Health Statistics also estimated a 27% drop from 110,037 deaths in 2023 to 80,391 in 2024. This has marked the lowest total since 2019. This significant drop, while still based on the provisional data that could differ from the final count does offer a hopeful sign in the long battle against an epidemic that has claimed as many as more than 1 million lives since 1999. This also remains to be the leading cause of deaths for Americans aged 18 to 44. Efforts And StrategiesHealth experts and CDC officials have attributed this decline to years of targeted federal investment and enhanced data systems. In fact, President Donald Trump also declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency in 2017. Furthermore, the Congress also funded expanded CDC programs that now help states to collect real-time overdose data. In fact, recently, the US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr also opened up about his own battle with drug addiction and his journey to recovery. “These investments have empowered us to rapidly collect, analyze, and share actionable data,” the CDC said in a statement. “Since late 2023, overdose deaths have steadily declined each month — a strong sign that public health interventions are making a difference.”Where Does The Most Decline Account For?Much of the overall decrease is driven by fewer deaths from fentanyl and other opioids. As per the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic, based on prescription. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic. It is also known as China Girl, China Town, Murder 8, Poison and Tango & Cash as its street name. It is consumed by snorting, sniffing, smoking, orally by a pill or tablet, or spiked onto blotter paper and patches. The DEA notes that overdose can cause stupor, changes in pupil size, clammy skin, cyanosis, coma, and respiratory failure leading to death.  Fentanyl-related deaths fell by nearly 37%, from 76,282 in 2023 to 48,422 in 2024. Deaths involving any type of opioid also dropped significantly — down from 83,140 to 54,743.Other drugs showed similar trends. Cocaine overdose deaths decreased from an estimated 30,833 to 22,174. Psychostimulant-related deaths, including those from methamphetamine, declined by 20%, from 37,096 to 29,456.Data From StatesNearly all states showed progress. States such as Louisiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia posted the most dramatic single-year declines each over 35%. Only two states bucked the trend. Nevada saw a 3.5% rise in overdose deaths, while South Dakota reported a 2.3% increase.Experts point to a variety of factors. Dr. Stephen Taylor, president of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, credits greater access to addiction treatment services and wider availability of naloxone, a drug that reverses overdoses.“I think the most important issue has been the expanded access to care,” Taylor said. However, he warns that proposed cuts — such as Trump’s suggested $1 billion reduction in funding to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — could threaten the progress made.Dr. Daniel Ciccarone, a researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, believes fewer new people becoming addicted may also play a key role. “Epidemics come to an end because the number of new people entering the drug scene drops below the number exiting — whether through recovery, treatment, or sadly, death,” he said to US News.

cdc notes a remarkable drop in drug overdose deaths

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