In Latin America
Dengue epidemic: thousands of deaths and millions of infections
Updated 12/11/2024 – 10:32 amReading time: 2 min.
Dengue fever is spreading more and more. The infectious disease has long as arrived in Europe. Several countries are currently battling an epidemic.
Latin America is experiencing the worst dengue epidemic since the systematic survey began in 1980.this year, 12.6 million cases were registered – almost three times as many as in 2023, according to the Pan American Health Association (PAHO). More than 7,700 people died from the viral disease. 90 percent of cases were registered in Brazil,Mexico,Colombia and Argentina.
Dengue fever – sometimes called “bone-breaker’s disease” because of the pain – is transmitted by the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and is widespread in the tropics and subtropics. Though, the course of the disease is frequently enough mild and not everyone infected becomes ill.
Children are particularly at risk. “Dengue poses a higher than average risk to children,” said PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa. “in countries like Guatemala, 70 percent of dengue-related deaths occur in children.”
The reason for the severe epidemic was favorable conditions for the mosquitoes that transmit the virus, such as heavy rainfall and high temperatures. According to PAHO, unregulated housing construction and poor wastewater management also promote the spread of mosquitoes.
Yellow fever mosquito control programs are underway in several countries by releasing mosquitoes modified with Wolbachia bacteria. The bacterium prevents the growth of viruses and spreads through reproduction among the unmodified mosquito population.
Vaccinations against dengue are also being carried out in Brazil, Argentina and Peru. However, the current epidemic cannot stop the vaccination campaign. “The vaccination will not stop the spread of the virus in the short or medium term and does not provide immediate help in the event of an outbreak,” said PAHO chief Barbosa.
What are the key challenges facing journalism in the digital age?
Title: Exploring the Future of Journalism: A Conversation with Dr. Sarah Thompson, Media Ecologist
Setting: Time.news office, a modern workspace with large windows overlooking the bustling city. The ambiance is lively yet professional, with the sounds of typing and collaboration in the background.The editor, Mark Richards, sits across from Dr.Sarah Thompson, a renowned media ecologist and expert in the evolution of journalism in the digital age.
Mark Richards (Editor): Welcome, Dr. Thompson! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today at Time.news. Your expertise in media ecology is interesting, especially with the rapid changes we’re witnessing in journalism. Let’s dive right in. How do you see the role of journalism evolving in this digital landscape?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Thank you, Mark! It’s great to be here. The landscape of journalism is indeed evolving dramatically. With the rise of social media and digital platforms, journalism is transforming from a one-to-many model to a many-to-many model. This shift means that the traditional gatekeepers—editors and publishers—now share space with citizens who create and disseminate news. It’s a two-edged sword, offering diverse voices but also posing challenges in maintaining accuracy and accountability.
Mark Richards: Absolutely, and that leads to concerns about misinformation.How can journalists uphold credibility in an era where ‘fake news’ has infiltrated public discourse?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Misinformation is a critically important threat, but journalists can combat it by adhering to rigorous fact-checking processes and clear sourcing. Building trust with the audience is essential; this involves not onyl delivering accurate news but also engaging with the community and listening to their concerns.Transparency in the journalistic process can definitely help demystify how news is produced, fostering a more informed public.
Mark Richards: Engaging with the audience is key. How do you see emerging technologies, like AI and machine learning, impacting journalistic practices?
Dr.Sarah Thompson: Emerging technologies are both exciting and daunting. On one hand, AI can help automate routine reporting tasks and elevate center-stage investigative journalism by analyzing massive datasets quickly. On the other hand, we must be wary of over-reliance on these tools; they can perpetuate biases or misinterpret data. The human touch—critical thinking and ethical considerations—will always be irreplaceable.
mark Richards: That’s a valid point. Considering the integration of these technologies, what skills do you believe future journalists should focus on to remain relevant?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Future journalists should cultivate a blend of traditional skills and digital proficiency. Strong writing,critical analysis,and ethical reporting remain fundamental,but they should also embrace data journalism,social media savvy,and an understanding of algorithms.Furthermore, adaptability will be crucial as the industry continues to shift.
Mark Richards: Speaking of shifts, how do you view the sustainability of self-reliant journalism in the face of massive tech conglomerates that dominate news distribution?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Independent journalism plays a crucial role in a healthy democracy.While tech giants have significant influence, there’s a growing movement toward supporting local journalism and independent outlets through subscriptions and donations. Crowdfunding models and nonprofit journalism are gaining traction, and I believe they can provide a enduring path forward. Building a loyal readership that values diverse perspectives is imperative.
Mark Richards: It sounds like there’s hope for the future! One last question—what advice would you give to aspiring journalists who are entering this ever-evolving field?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: My advice is to stay curious and committed. Embrace lifelong learning,be adaptable,and don’t shy away from challenges. Network and collaborate with others in the field,and always remember the fundamental purpose of journalism: to inform,educate,and empower the public. Stay engaged with your community, and let their stories guide your passion for reporting.
Mark Richards: Thank you, Dr. Thompson! Your insights have been enlightening, and it’s clear that with dedication and innovation, the future of journalism can be shining and meaningful.
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Thank you,Mark! I appreciate the possibility to share my thoughts,and I’m excited to see how journalism will continue to evolve.
end of Interview