1 in 9 Indians is suffering from infectious disease, ICMR report increases tension

A new report by ICMR has raised concerns amid the increasing crowd in the country’s hospitals and the rapidly spreading diseases among people of all ages. The latest study by the Indian Council of Medical Research has claimed that one out of every nine people tested in India has been found to have some kind of infection. This figure shows that the risk of infection is continuously increasing in the country and this problem can become a big health challenge in the coming time. In such a situation, let us tell you today what has come out in the ICMR report.

What came out in the report?

ICMR has released the data of its Virus Research and Diagnostic Lab Network. According to this report, out of 2,28,856 samples taken between January and March 2025, 24,502 people i.e. 10.7 percent were found infected. At the same time, out of 2,26,095 samples tested from April to June 2025, 26,055 people i.e. 11.5 percent were found positive. In this way, an increase of 0.8 percent has been recorded in the infection rate, which shows that the diseases are spreading rapidly and there is a need to keep a constant eye on it. The data has made it clear that the situation of spread of infection in the country is becoming serious and there is a need to increase vigilance in both urban and rural areas.

Which infections are being found the most?

According to the ICMR report, the infectious diseases found to have the highest prevalence between April and June 2025 include influenza A, dengue, hepatitis, norovirus and herpes simplex virus. At the same time, between April and June, a total of 191 disease groups were examined and many infectious diseases including mumps, measles, rubella, chikungunya, rotavirus, varicella zoster, Epstein-Barr virus and astrovirus were identified. During the investigation of 389 disease groups between January and March 2025, mumps, measles, rubella, hepatitis, dengue, chikungunya, influenza, leptospira and sexually transmitted infections have been found. Apart from this, between 2014 and 2024, VRDL network tested more than 40 lakh samples in which infection was detected in 18.8 percent.

Why do experts keep worrying?

ICMR’s VRDL network is considered the early warning system of the country. Senior scientists of ICMR say that even though this increase in the infection rate may seem small, it is a warning of emerging diseases. By continuous quarterly monitoring, future epidemics can be prevented in time. According to ICMR data, infectious diseases are spreading rapidly in the country and the rate of infection is also increasing. Regarding this, ICMR says that infection being found in 1 out of every 9 Indians is an indication that the country needs to work more seriously on cleanliness, vaccination, better health facilities and immediate treatment.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.