Vector-borne diseases have emerged as a serious public health concern, with millions of people getting infected and thousands of others dying each year. The increasing urbanization, globalization, and increasing demand for global trade and travel are increasing the spread of these vector-borne diseases. Among these, the diseases caused by the Aedes mosquito are on alarm as a single species can cause dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. These diseases have been a public health concern. As there are no vaccines and other effective treatments available for these diseases, the only way it can be controlled is through appropriate prevention and control strategies.

   For the prevention and control strategies to be effective, it is very important to focus on social factors such as knowledge, attitude, and perception of these diseases. Also, the recent finding of a positive Zika case in Pune, Maharashtra followed by a declaration of 79 villages vulnerable to Zika it is very important to control the surge of these diseases in India.

As dengue is common in India, it is possible for zika virus to be found there as well. Moreover, zika virus causes increased maternal mortality, and with countries like India who have a higher maternal mortality rate, it is very important to control the spread of such diseases. Hence this study will provide an insight into the knowledge, attitude, and risk perceptions of the three co-circulating vector-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya, and Zika) in Pune, Maharashtra, which has not only grown out to be an industrial hub in past few years but also has a very favorable climate for the growth of these species.

The aim of the study would be to determine the level of knowledge and risk perceptions of vector-borne diseases in healthcare providers and the community visiting the health facilities in urban Pune, Maharashtra. The responses of the study participants will be noted by taking prior informed consent and assuring them that confidentiality of the data will be maintained. The included participants for the study would be the healthcare providers (doctors, nurses, lab technicians) from the health institutions and the population visiting the same institutions for routine check-ups and follow-ups. The population excluded from the study will include patients in emergency departments, people with physical and mental disabilities, Group-D workers and administrative staff, and people who have not given consent to participate in the study.

Hence by conducting this study, the findings can be used to shed light on at-risk communities’ understanding of the vector, symptoms, breeding sites identification, and preventive and treatment strategies. And would help in understanding the knowledge variation among these three co-circulating VBDs at a fine level, especially differences between endemic and emerging diseases in urban Pune, which can help improve targeted interventions and education programs at a local level. Also, the results could be used to notify the public health officials and communities to motivate the communities at risk to take an active role in vector surveillance and control by increasing community participation, while improving the existing educational and surveillance resources in Pune, Maharashtra.