Spike in dengue fever cases due to global warming, warns WHO
Global warming that is marked by higher average temperatures, precipitation and longer periods of drought could prompt a record number of dengue fever infections worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Friday.
“About half of the world's population is at risk of dengue, and dengue affects approximately 129 countries,” said Dr Raman Velayudhan, WHO’s Head of the Global Programme on control of Neglected Tropical Diseases. “We estimate that about 100 to 400 million cases are reported every year. This is basically an estimate and the American region alone, for example, has reported about 2.8 million cases and 101,280 deaths.”
Dengue, also called breakbone fever, is the most common viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. Most people with dengue do not have symptoms and recover in one to two weeks. But some people develop severe dengue and need hospital care.
“In some cases, especially when you get the infection for the second time, which we call a secondary infection, this can lead to severe dengue and it can be fatal too,” explained Dr. Velayudhan, briefing journalists at the United Nations in Geneva.
Dengue is spread by the Aedes species of mosquito. The disease is more common in tropical and subtropical climates. Its incidence has grown dramatically worldwide in recent decades, Dr. Velayudhan explained.
“In 2000, we had about half a million cases and today in 2022 we recorded over 4.2 million cases, which really shows an eight-fold increase. And, this can be much higher as we get more and more accurate figures.”
Asia represents around 70 per cent of the global disease burden and the future outlook is bleak, according to the WHO expert. In Europe, the Aedes mosquito is established and dengue and chikungunya infections have been reported for more than a decade.
“European countries are also on alert because Europe had recorded an Aedes transmission of either dengue or chikungunya since 2010,” said Dr. Velayudhan. “We have had more outbreaks since then and it is estimated that the mosquito is present in about 22 European countries.”
Numerous factors in addition to climate change have driven the spread of dengue fever, such as the increased movement of people and goods, urbanization and pressure on water and sanitation.
“The mosquito manages to survive even when there is water scarcity,” said the WHO expert. “So, both during a flood situation as well as a drought situation, dengue can increase. The virus and the vector multiply faster at a higher temperature. This is a well-known fact.”
Dengue fever does not have a specific treatment and there is no direct drug intervention available. Usually, the disease is treated with medicines to treat fever and pain.
A dengue test takes two to three days to receive a reliable result.
Several new tools are under development that provide greater hope in preventing and controlling dengue, such as better diagnostics. A few antivirals are undergoing clinical trials.
“Two or three of these candidates are going through Phase Two trials and will move on to Phase Three, which is very promising,” Dr. Velayudhan said. “There is also one dengue vaccine in the market, which has got certain limitations, and two other candidates are actually in the pipeline and are under review.”
The UN health agency stresses that prevention is key. Because the mosquito bites during the day, it is important that people protect themselves at home, in schools and at work by spraying repellent around buildings.
Other protective measures include mosquito coils and sleeping under nets.
-ends-
1
1
1
Edited News | OHCHR
Myanmar: Concerns over rising tensions in Rakhine state
1
1
1
Edited News | UNFPA
UNFPA representative describes Gaza as a "humanitarian hellscape" with broken medical supplies and dire maternity care conditions. Multiple hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed, with a significant increase in complications during childbirth. The situation is compounded by malnutrition, dehydration, and fear. The UNFPA mission, supported by UNMAS, also highlights the transformation of UNRWA schools into emergency medical points due to limited access to pre- and post-natal healthcare. Fear of an Israeli incursion in Rafah further exacerbates the humanitarian crisis.
2
1
2
Edited News , Press Conferences | UNFPA
Launch of UNFPA’s State of World Population 2024 report, “Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending inequalities in sexual and reproductive health and rights”
1
1
1
Edited News | UNICEF , OHCHR , UN WOMEN
Summary: More than one million Palestinian women and girls in Gaza face catastrophic hunger and lack access to food, safe water, and essential services. The conflict has disproportionately impacted women and children, with thousands of women widowed and children injured. The situation in Gaza is dire, with ongoing challenges in evacuating critically injured patients. The UN has urged all states with influence to halt the humanitarian crisis and violence in Gaza.
1
1
1
Edited News | OCHA , WHO
Summary: WHO reports extensive destruction in Gaza hospitals, with non-functional facilities, makeshift graves, and urgent need for supplies and resources. Access to hospitals and deconfliction measures are crucial for restoring functionality. Communication equipment is also needed for humanitarian operations.
1
1
2
Edited News | UNHCR
War in Sudan: in massive exodus, 1’800 people a day seek refuge in world’s poorest country - UNHCR