2023-08-24 05:04:46
World Health Organization Warns of Record-breaking Dengue Fever Infections
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about half of the world’s population is at risk of contracting dengue fever and warned of the possibility that the number of infections worldwide will hit a record.
According to International SOS, the world’s leading health and safety assistance company, in the first half of 2023, requests for information and assistance related to dengue fever increased by almost 15 percent compared to the same period in 2022. The company is advising organizations to take proactive steps to protect their employees from dengue fever.
Dr. Irene Lai, Medical Director of International SOS, stressed the importance of prevention and awareness in reducing the impact of dengue fever. While some individuals may experience mild or no symptoms, others may become severely ill and require hospitalization, or even die. Dengue fever tends to be more severe in people who have been previously infected. Prevention methods include avoiding mosquito bites and getting vaccinated, especially for those who have had dengue fever and live in areas with high dengue prevalence.
“The best practice for any organization is a workplace risk assessment, including where employees have to travel to work. This assessment should be followed by measures to mitigate the impacts of dengue fever, such as campaigns to educate and raise awareness, eliminating mosquito breeding sources, providing anti-mosquito devices, and requiring employees to pass a health assessment before being sent to work off-site or abroad,” said Dr. Lai.
International SOS recommends the following guidelines for organizations to protect their employees from dengue fever:
1. Pre-travel planning: Employees should receive complete health advice before traveling, including information about the risk of dengue fever, preventive measures, and how to access necessary medical care at their destination.
2. Prevent mosquito bites: Employees are advised to apply mosquito repellent, wear protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites, and stay in accommodations that are “mosquito-proof” and use air conditioning and mosquito screens.
3. Environmental control: Organizations operating in high-risk areas should take measures to control mosquitoes, such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites and conducting regular inspections of the workplace.
4. Employee Education: Provide training and resources to increase employee awareness of dengue fever, its symptoms, and prevention methods.
5. Medical Support: Ensure that employees have timely access to medical care and resources to effectively manage dengue fever and prevent the disease from progressing to severe stages.
With the increasing risk of dengue fever infections, organizations are urged to prioritize the health and safety of their employees by implementing these guidelines.
By InfoQuest News Agency (24 Aug. 23)
Tags: WHO, Aedes aegypti, World Health Organization, dengue fever]
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