2023-07-24 09:03:21
Half the world’s population is now at risk of dengue, warns the World Health Organization (WHO). The organization is particularly concerned about the spread of the dengue virus in Europe, where there have been first-time infections reported.
Dengue is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which typically inhabit tropical and subtropical regions. However, these mosquitoes are now spreading worldwide, posing a global threat. Raman Velayudhan, the head of the WHO’s neglected tropical diseases department, revealed that the number of annual dengue cases has increased by eightfold since 2000, reaching an estimated 4.2 million cases last year. “Now half of the world’s population is at risk of dengue,” Velayudhan emphasized.
In the WHO European region alone, there have been local infections reported in approximately two dozen countries, including Spain and France. Fortunately, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has not recorded any local infections this year. Velayudhan suggested that heatwaves with high temperatures may help reduce the risk of mosquito bites by drying out breeding grounds. However, he urged all countries to remain vigilant when rain returns, as mosquitoes breed in standing water.
Globally, the WHO estimates that there could be up to 400 million dengue infections. However, the difficulty lies in accurately estimating the number of cases because 80% of those affected experience mild symptoms or none at all during the initial infection and do not seek medical attention. Additionally, individuals who have previously been infected with one of the four dengue viruses develop immunity against that specific strain. However, a second infection with a different virus strain can lead to more severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms, Velayudhan explained. Dengue fever was previously known as “Breakbone Fever” due to its ability to cause severe body aches.
As of July this year, North, Central, and South America have reported a similar number of infections and deaths as the whole of last year. In 2022, there were 2.8 million infections and 1280 deaths in these regions alone, according to Velayudhan.
Currently, there is no specific medication for treating dengue, aside from fever-reducing drugs. Velayudhan mentioned a vaccine called Dengvaxia, which offers protection after an initial infection. However, its effectiveness varies depending on the strain of the virus contracted. The Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI), responsible for Germany’s vaccine approval, specified that Dengvaxia is intended for individuals between the ages of 9 and 45 residing in areas with widespread dengue prevalence. Another vaccine called Qdenga, which can be administered to individuals as young as four years old, was approved in the EU in December 2022.
In order to protect against dengue, Velayudhan recommended using mosquito spray and eliminating standing water around homes, as stagnant water serves as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Additionally, it is important to note that these mosquitoes bite during the day, rendering mosquito nets for sleeping ineffective against them.
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Tags: health news]
#concerned #dengue #virus #Europe