Trend of zoonotic diseases outbreaks in India: a secondary data analysis of Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme data, 2010-2023.

BACKGROUND

Zoonotic diseases are occurring more frequently in different parts of the world. In India, most outbreaks are reported by the Integrated Diseases Surveillance Programme (IDSP). The objective of this study was to find the trend of zoonotic diseases reported in the IDSP portal.

METHODS

Data were collected from the IDSP portal from January 2010 to December 2023. Data were collected regarding each outbreak's start date, the number of cases and the number of deaths. A total of 10 diseases were included in the study.

RESULTS

From all reported outbreaks, a total of 1158 were reported for the selected zoonotic diseases. Japanese Encephalitis/Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) was the most commonly reported outbreak. For anthrax, JE/AES, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, leptospirosis and scrub typhus, outbreaks and cases were reported throughout the year. However, most diseases were only reported during the rainy season (July-September).

CONCLUSIONS

Although an increasing trend of the selected zoonotic diseases is reported in the current study, these data must be interpreted cautiously, considering the limitations of reporting. Activities should be planned based on burden estimation to prevent the morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases.