2024-04-11 14:07:47
The cases of dengue fever in Berlin are increasing. So far, people have been infected in classic risk areas. But that could change soon.
39 confirmed cases of the tropical disease dengue fever have already been registered in Berlin this year. That is significantly more than in the period before the corona pandemic, according to the current weekly report from the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso).
In the most recent reporting week at the end of March alone, 13 cases were reported, of which only one has been confirmed so far. However, further confirmation is still pending. Two patients had to be treated in hospital this year. According to Lageso, this is the highest number ever reported since the Infection Protection Act came into force in 2001. To put it into perspective: in the years 2015 to 2019, the average annual value was 18.
The risk of infection in Berlin is increasing
According to Lageso, those affected were only infected abroad. With the beginning of the mosquito season, there is also a risk of becoming infected in Berlin in the medium and long term. The Asian tiger mosquito, which has already been detected in the capital, can transmit the virus from infected people to others.
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the dengue virus was found almost exclusively in tropical and subtropical regions for many decades, especially in cities. In recent years it has expanded further geographically.
At the end of last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned of the spread of certain mosquitoes in Europe and thus an increase in dengue cases. The danger is growing, particularly due to climate change and the associated rising temperatures.
People can protect themselves by using mosquito spray and long-sleeved clothing. Breeding areas for the transmitting mosquitoes, such as standing water, would have to be eliminated. This also includes plant saucers on the balcony, for example.
Brazil is currently experiencing its worst outbreak of dengue fever
Brazil is one of the known dengue fever areas. The country is currently experiencing what is probably the worst outbreak of the tropical disease in its history. Since the beginning of the year, 1.9 million probable infections with the dengue virus have been registered in the South American country, according to the Ministry of Health.
The heavy rains and high temperatures of the past few months are likely to be the trigger for the sharp increase. The yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti), which usually transmits the dengue viruses, can develop particularly well under these conditions. Dengue fever is sometimes called “bone-breaking disease” because of the pain. You can find out more about the transmission and symptoms of dengue fever here.
According to the RKI, almost four billion people worldwide live in areas at risk of dengue fever. It is estimated that around 400 million people are infected with dengue virus every year. Most infections (around 75 percent) are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms.