Climate change worsens Hyderabad's health: dengue, strokes, heat illness

Climate change is worsening public health in Hyderabad, driving rising cases of dengue, chikungunya, and leptospirosis, alongside air pollution-linked strokes and heat-related organ damage, according to doctors and official data. Telangana dengue cases rose from 601 in 2023 to 1,078 in 2024, while chikungunya surged from 251 to 1,382 by 2025, and leptospirosis jumped from 2 to 249 cases. Hospitals report 50-60 monthly heat-related cardiac patients and 8-10 weekly young stroke cases, with air pollution and extreme temperatures fueling diabetes, kidney disease, and respiratory emergencies. Experts recommend adopting a year-round Heat-Health Action Plan, strengthening community-level preparedness through ASHA workers, and promoting preventive care like hydration and medication reviews, as climate-driven disease patterns extend beyond traditional monsoon seasons.