**India Faces Resurgence of Communicable Diseases Post Covid-19**
*New Delhi:* India is contending with a disquieting resurgence of communicable diseases in the aftermath of Covid-19. Globally, the pandemic officially claimed 7,010,681 lives, though excess mortality estimates suggest that nearly 15 to 18 million perished in 2020-21.
Beyond the immediate fatalities, SARS-CoV-2 inflicted long-lasting immunological damage, leaving populations susceptible to a cascade of lethal infections and opportunistic pathogens.
### Mucormycosis: The Infamous Black Fungus
Mucormycosis, the infamous black fungus, struck first in 2021-22, infecting 40,824 individuals and claiming 3,229 lives in India by June 2021, according to the National Centre for Disease Control. Its early manifestations—facial swelling, nasal congestion, and black oral lesions—often belied the rapidity of its cerebral invasion. This progression precipitated vision loss, debilitating headaches, seizures, and acute neurological confusion, frequently culminating in death.
### Surge in Vector-Borne Diseases
Vector-borne diseases followed with irregular ferocity. Dengue surged dramatically in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, straining public health infrastructure with sharp spikes in incidence and hospitalizations. The disease accounted for over 1,200 reported deaths in 2024 alone.
Leptospirosis also re-emerged with alarming intensity, particularly in Kerala, reporting 2,442 suspected cases and 158 suspected deaths in 2024—ten times the preceding decade’s average. While initial symptoms such as fever, chills, myalgia, and conjunctival redness may appear mild, unchecked progression can trigger meningitis, jaundice, renal failure, hemorrhage, and multi-organ collapse.
### Tuberculosis: India’s Enduring Scourge
Tuberculosis (TB), India’s enduring scourge, continues to exact a heavy toll. The country accounts for approximately 26 to 27% of the global TB burden. Annually, millions contract TB, and over 400,000 succumb despite widespread treatment programs. This reflects persistent challenges in early detection, treatment adherence, and the rise of drug-resistant strains.
### Encephalitis: A Recurring Threat
Encephalitis, recurring episodically in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, has claimed thousands over decades, disproportionately affecting children. Its insidious onset—fever, headache, and vomiting—can escalate to seizures, confusion, disorientation, coma, and death. The disease is caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus or a spectrum of viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens.
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Together, these outbreaks reveal a sobering pattern:
– Mucormycosis exposed Covid-linked vulnerabilities.
– Dengue and leptospirosis magnified ecological and systemic fragilities.
– Tuberculosis endures silently.
– Encephalitis underscores how routine monsoon cycles can precipitate tragedy.
### New Menace: Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis in Kerala
Now, a new menace looms. Kerala is grappling with a surge in Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), caused by *Naegleria fowleri*, reporting 69 confirmed infections and 19 deaths in 2025. Nationally, 72 cases and 19 deaths have been reported, with sporadic referrals in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
The amoeba thrives in warm freshwater, entering through the nasal passages during swimming or bathing, and swiftly migrating to the brain to devastate tissue. Early signs—fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting—can accelerate to seizures, stiff neck, hallucinations, confusion, coma, and death. PAM has a staggering global fatality rate of 95-98%.
Treatment relies on Amphotericin B, sometimes administered intrathecally, with miltefosine employed in early interventions. Kerala’s 2024 reprieve—29 cases with 24 survivors—was credited to rapid diagnosis and intensive care. In 2025, however, the outlook has darkened: sporadic spread has replaced cluster outbreaks, underscoring the persistent vulnerability of populations and the human cost behind every statistic.
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India’s battle against communicable diseases continues to be complex and challenging. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, enhancing early detection, and promoting awareness are crucial steps to mitigate these rising threats in a post-pandemic world.
https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2025/Sep/28/post-covid-surge-in-deadly-infections