Retrospective Analysis of Water-Borne Disease Surveillance in India: Patterns and Burden from IDSP Weekly Reports
TL;DR
Water-borne diseases in India demonstrate marked seasonal amplification and regional heterogeneity, and surveillance-based identification of high-risk periods and geographic clustering provides opportunities for targeted interventions to reduce disease burden.
Abstract
Background & objectives: Water-borne diseases remain a major public health concern. Diarrhoeal diseases continue to contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality, especially among children under five years. This study aimed to analyze trends, seasonal distribution, and state-wise burden of selected water-borne diseases. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using data of Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) weekly reports from weeks 1–46 of 2025. Data on acute diarrhoeal disease (ADD), cholera, typhoid, gastroenteritis, and hepatitis A were extracted, analyzed and reported using STROBE guidelines and the RECORD extension. Data cleaning done by standardizing disease categories and aggregating at weekly and state levels. Results: Acute diarrhoeal disease (60.1%) accounted for the majority of reported cases, followed by hepatitis A (18.3%). A pronounced seasonal pattern was observed, with an approximate 1.5–2 fold increase in cases during monsoon compared to pre-monsoon periods. Weekly trend analysis demonstrated a peak between epidemiological weeks 28–34. States such as Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir and Madhya Pradesh showed higher burden. Interpretation & conclusions: Water-borne diseases in India demonstrate marked seasonal amplification and regional heterogeneity. Surveillance-based identification of high-risk periods and geographic clustering provides opportunities for targeted interventions. Strengthening pre-monsoon preparedness and enhancing surveillance responsiveness during peak transmission periods may help reduce disease burden.