IntroductIon
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease found in tropical
and subtropical regions.1 Over 2.5 billion people, 40% of
the world population, are at risk of dengue fever.2 According
to the National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme
(NVBDCP), the number of cases in India has escalated
steadily, from 3306 in 2001 to 50 222 in 2012; deaths have
risen from 53 in 2001 to 242 in 2012.3 In West Bengal, 3306
confirmed dengue cases were reported from 1 January 2012 to
30 September 2012, of which nearly 2000 cases were recorded
from the Kolkata Metropolitan Corporation areas.4 Dengue