Goodknight Survey shows 80% in South India think malaria and dengue can occur anytime

A majority of Indians fear the threat of mosquito-borne diseases year-round, with 81% believing illnesses like malaria and dengue can happen at any time of the year, not just during the monsoons. This surprising insight was revealed in a =pan-India survey, titled ‘One Mosquito, Countless Threats’ by Goodknight, India's leading household insecticide brand from Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL). The survey was conducted by market research firm YouGov. The study highlights how changing environmental conditions and urban living patterns are fuelling the need for year-round protection against mosquitoes. 

The concern is consistent across the country, with East India (86%) agreeing the most that malaria and dengue can happen at any time of the year, not just during the monsoons. This is followed by West (81%) along with an equal number in North and South (80%). Goodknight survey reveals a strong behavioural shift among Indian parents around 95% of Indians say they are far more careful about the quality and safety of products they purchase after becoming parents. This cautious approach is consistent across Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, with South leading at 97%, followed by East at 96%, West at 95% and North at 92%. 

India reported more than 233519 dengue cases last year alone, as per data from the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC). With World Mosquito Day observed on August 20, these findings serve as a timely reminder of the need for continued vigilance and preventive action throughout the year. For parents, who are already more conscious about the quality of products they bring home, it underscores the importance of having access to safe, effective and government-approved solutions so they can protect their families without worrying about the products they choose. Experts attribute the persistent threat of mosquito-borne illnesses to factors such as climate change, rapid urbanisation and year-round breeding conditions, making the risk no longer confined to the monsoon season

Shilpa Suresh, Head of Marketing – Home Care, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), said, “The year-round threat of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria continues to affect millions of families across India, disrupting daily life, education, and productivity. At Goodknight, our mission is to provide families with innovative, effective, and government-approved solutions that safeguard health every single day of the year.” 

She further added, said, “It is crucial to avoid unregulated products such as illegal mosquito repellent incense sticks, which may pose health risks and fail to provide reliable protection. Often marketed innocuously as ‘citronella sticks’ or ‘aloe vera variants,’ these products have been found to contain unapproved molecules not registered or illegal in India. On World Mosquito Day, we urge consumers to choose only legal and safe solutions approved by the Central Insecticide Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC). Such products undergo extensive safety and efficacy testing, and consumers can identify them by checking the CIBRC registration number on the packaging.” 

Commenting on the insights from the Goodknight Report, Dr.Kirti Sabnis, Infectious Disease Specialist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund said, “I am increasingly concerned about the growing threat posed by mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue and Malaria. These illnesses not only endanger individual lives but also burden healthcare systems and communities. What's particularly alarming is the shift towards year-round transmission, a trend exacerbated by climate change, urbanization, and increased global travel. The recent surge in dengue cases in India serves as a stark reminder of the urgency to address this issue. With cases rising, it's evident that traditional seasonal precautions are no longer sufficient. We must remain vigilant and adopt comprehensive strategies to protect ourselves and our communities from mosquito-borne diseases throughout the year.” 

Good Knight, with its legacy of pioneering mosquito repellent solutions like the Flash vaporiser, incense sticks, and the Advanced Fast Card, remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding families from mosquito-borne diseases. In response to the recent health hazards associated with illegal, unregulated, and Chinese molecules entering and usage of illegal incense sticks with such ingredients, Scientists at Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), along with its partner, has developed 'Renofluthrin' – India’s first indigenously developed and patented molecule which makes the most efficacious liquid vaporiser formulation for mosquito control.  GCPL, which is the leader in household insecticides category, has introduced the Renofluthrin formulation in its new Good Knight Flash liquid vaporiser which is India’s most efficacious liquid vapouriser. This new Good Knight Flash liquid vaporiser formulation made of Renofluthrin is 2X more effective against mosquitoes, compared to any other registered formulation in liquid vaporiser format currently available in India.