Dengue fever cases have surged globally in 2023, with the highest number of cases reported in the Americas. Experts are warning that the current outbreak could lead to larger and more frequent outbreaks in the future, due to a number of factors, including climate change, population growth, and urbanization.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease caused by four closely related viruses. It is endemic in over 100 countries, and over 400 million people are infected each year. Most people who contract dengue fever experience mild symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle pain, and rash. However, some people develop severe dengue, which can be life-threatening.
The current outbreak of dengue fever is being driven by a number of factors, including:
- Climate change: Increased temperatures and rainfall are creating more favorable conditions for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue fever.
- Population growth: The growing population in many dengue-endemic countries is increasing the number of people at risk of infection.
- Urbanization: Urban areas tend to have more mosquitoes and more people living in close proximity, which can facilitate the spread of dengue fever.
In addition to these factors, experts are also concerned that the current outbreak could lead to more severe cases of dengue fever. This is because people who have been infected with one type of dengue virus are more likely to develop severe disease if they are infected with a different type of dengue virus in the future.
“We are seeing a worrying trend of more severe dengue cases in recent years,” said Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Director of Global Health Emergencies. “This is likely due to a number of factors, including the circulation of multiple dengue virus serotypes and the increasing number of people who have been infected with dengue in the past.”
The WHO is working with governments and partners to implement measures to control the spread of dengue fever. These measures include:
- Vector control: This involves reducing the number of mosquitoes through measures such as spraying insecticides and removing mosquito breeding sites.
- Public education: This involves educating people about how to protect themselves from mosquito bites and the symptoms of dengue fever.
- Early diagnosis and treatment: This involves ensuring that people who are sick with dengue fever are diagnosed and treated promptly.
The WHO is also calling for more research into the development of new vaccines and treatments for dengue fever.
“We need to invest in research to develop new tools to prevent and treat dengue fever,” said Dr. Van Kerkhove. “This is essential to protect people from this serious disease and to prevent larger and more frequent outbreaks in the future.”
What can you do to protect yourself from dengue fever?
- Avoid mosquito bites: This means wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and sleeping under a mosquito net.
- Be aware of the symptoms of dengue fever: If you develop fever, headache, muscle pain, and rash, seek medical attention immediately.
- Get vaccinated: There is now a safe and effective vaccine available for dengue fever. Talk to your doctor to see if you are eligible for the vaccine.
