World Health warns of the spread of dengue fever in several regions of the world
Arabia Weather - The World Health Organization warned that dengue fever may become a standard threat on several continents during the current decade. The organization explained that this threat is due to climate change, increased travel and urbanization, as 4.2 million cases of dengue fever have been recorded in all countries. around the world in 2022. Last year's rates were estimated at about eight times the rates of 2000.
The most common infection
Dengue fever is transmitted by transmission through a type of mosquito known as the Aedes mosquito , and this disease is more widespread in areas with a tropical and subtropical climate. According to Dr. Raman Velayudhan , the incidence of dengue fever has increased significantly in various regions of the world during recent decades, and warns The World Health Organization warns that rising temperatures create conditions conducive to the spread of mosquitoes that carry the infection.
The organization noted that rising temperatures encourage the proliferation of mosquitoes that transmit the disease, and noted that dengue infection rates are constantly rising. The organization confirmed that about half of the world's population is at risk of contracting dengue fever, and indicated that the impact of this disease could extend to 129 countries. The World Health Organization described dengue fever as one of the fastest-spreading infectious diseases globally, and that it constitutes an epidemic threat.
What is dengue fever?
Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that carry the virus. It is not transmitted directly between humans. The fever causes symptoms such as muscle pain, high body temperature, nausea, headache, and loss of appetite. It may appear in the form of a skin rash in some cases. Usually, the person with dengue fever takes One or two weeks to recover, but some cases may require medical care in hospitals, and it is worth noting that death rates resulting from dengue fever usually do not exceed 1 percent.
The spread of dengue fever in several regions of the world
The World Health Organization indicates that dengue fever has been spreading for a long time in most parts of Asia and Latin America, and public health officials expect dengue infection levels to reach near-record levels this year, and the World Health Organization notes that Bangladesh is currently witnessing the worst outbreak of the disease ever, The death of more than a thousand people due to dengue fever was recorded.
Asia accounts for about 70 percent of the global burden of disease, and the outlook is bleak. In Europe, the Aedes mosquito is widespread, and cases of dengue and chikungunya have been reported for more than a decade.
Regarding matters in Europe, Dr. Velayudhan said:
“European countries also remain on alert, as Europe continues to record Aedes mosquito transmission of dengue and chikungunya since 2010. We have seen an increase in cases since then, and the mosquitoes are expected to be present in around 22 European countries.”
Factors that contributed to the spread of dengue fever
- Climate change
- Increased movement of people and goods
- And urban expansion
- And pressure on water and sewage systems.
Prevention of dengue fever
People living in dengue fever areas should take the necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites. To prevent these bites, it is best to follow the following measures:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Stay in places equipped with air conditioners or use curtains for windows and doors to prevent them from entering the house.
- Sleeping under an anti-mosquito net in places where air conditioning or adequate curtains are not available.
- Use strong mosquito repellent preparations on exposed skin, containing ingredients such as DEET (diethyl toluamide) or similar active ingredients.
- Treat or impregnate clothing with insecticide, but avoid applying it directly to the skin.
For those infected with dengue fever , it is preferable to place them under a mosquito net until the second period of fever has passed, which helps prevent transmission of the infection through mosquito bites.
Dengue vaccine
The CYD-TVV vaccine , also known as Dengvaxia, is approved in the United States for use in children and adolescents ages 9 to 16 who have previously had dengue virus infection confirmed by laboratory testing and live in areas where dengue is common. These regions include American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, in addition to other regions in the United States of America, and this vaccine can also be found in Mexico, Brazil, Thailand, and some other countries.
The CYD-TVV vaccine reduces the risk of people who have previously been exposed to a mild case of dengue becoming infected again with a severe form of dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever). However, vaccinating people who have never been exposed to dengue appears to increase the risk of developing other forms of dengue. More severe illness if they become infected later. For this reason, it is recommended that doctors limit the use of this vaccine to people who have previously had dengue fever. However, in many countries where dengue fever is common, a blood test for dengue fever may not be effective. is always available before vaccinating individuals and several other dengue vaccines are also under study.
Dr Velayudhan said:
“There is great hope for new drugs under trial, as two or three of these drugs are currently being tested in the second phase of trials, and are expected to move to the third phase, which is very promising. In addition, there is one vaccine available on the market for fever.” Dengue, and two more are in preparation and subject to review.”
The World Health Organization stresses the importance of moving towards prevention , and it is important for individuals to protect themselves in their homes, workplaces and schools by using mosquito repellent materials around buildings, as mosquito bites can occur during daytime.
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