Dengue is the most common infection, which is also most painful fever for the body. When we hear “it’s just a mosquito’s bite” and that turns into a death situation in the form of dengue. It is also called as break-bone-fever. the infection is spread due to mosquitos’ bite and then goes on from one person to other. This might be cured but many times it leaves body in huge pain and some pain for ever. The fever makes the body weaker with time and the medicine for the disease is not proper. It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.
According to WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning that due to global warming, which is characterized by increased average temperatures, precipitation, and extended drought periods, there could be an unprecedented number of dengue infections worldwide. Dengue is a risk for about half of the world’s population and is prevalent in approximately 129 countries. Every year, it is estimated that between 100 and 400 million cases are reported. The American region alone has reported about 2.8 million cases and 101,280 deaths. Dengue is more prevalent in tropical and subtropical climates, and its incidence has significantly increased worldwide in recent decades.
WORLD
From the start of 2023 until the beginning of November, over 4.5 million cases and over 4,000 dengue-related deaths have been reported from 80 countries/territories globally. In Europe, autochthonous/non-travel associated dengue cases have been reported from Italy (72), France (41), and Spain (3).
Dengue is a risk for about half of the world’s population with an estimated 100–400 million infections occurring each year.
IN INDIA
Dengue has seen a dramatic increase in India, with a rise of over 1312% since the first major outbreak in 1996. In 2022, 303 people succumbed to the disease. On average, more than 600 cases were detected daily across the country over a 12-month period. West Bengal reported the highest number of cases at 67,271, followed by Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan.
In Uttar Pradesh alone, the number of dengue cases has surpassed 13,000, with Lucknow, Moradabad, Meerut, Kanpur, and Noida being the most affected areas. Over 600 new cases were reported in the state in the last 24 hours, and there have been 24 deaths so far.
The disease is spreading rapidly in Delhi, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand. Mumbai recorded a threefold increase in infections from the previous year, with 3,068 cases reported between June and September 25. As of September 26, Delhi had reported 3,013 cases of dengue and one death.
Studies
A study by IISc Bengaluru revealed that the dengue virus has evolved significantly over the last few decades in India. The spread of dengue is closely associated with rainfall, humidity, and temperature. These factors dictate the regions it affects and the rate of transmission of the viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV).
Transmitted
Dengue is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected female mosquito, mainly the Aedes aegypti species.After biting an infected person, the virus replicates in the mosquito before it can transmit the virus to a new host. This period, known as the extrinsic incubation period (EIP), is about 8–12 days at an ambient temperature of 25–28°C.
Humans with DENV in their blood can infect mosquitoes. Transmission from humans to mosquitoes can occur up to 2 days before and 2 days after the onset of symptoms.
There is evidence of possible maternal transmission (from a pregnant mother to her baby). However, vertical transmission rates appear low. Infected mothers may give birth to babies who are pre-term, have low birthweight, or show signs of fetal distress.
Rare instances of transmission via blood products, organ donations, and transfusions have been documented. Transovarial transmission of the virus within mosquitoes has also been recorded.
Risk Factors:
A previous encounter with the DENV can heighten the risk of developing severe dengue. Unplanned urbanization can contribute to the spread of dengue due to various social and environmental factors such as population density, human mobility, access to a reliable water source, and water storage practices. The community’s susceptibility to dengue also hinges on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards dengue, as well as the implementation of routine sustainable vector control activities.
Symptoms DENGUE
Dengue presents a spectrum of symptoms that can be mild or severe. Mild symptoms, often mistaken for other illnesses, include high fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and various aches and pains (such as eye pain, muscle pain, joint pain, or bone pain). These symptoms usually persist for 2–7 days.
Severe dengue
Dengue hemorrhagic fever can manifest within a few hours and typically necessitates hospitalization. Indications of severe dengue include abdominal pain, tenderness, vomiting (at least thrice in 24 hours), bleeding from the nose or gums, vomiting blood, or finding blood in the stool. Severe dengue can lead to shock, internal bleeding, and in some cases, death.
Prevention and Control:
Dengue-spreading mosquitoes are active during the day. You can reduce the risk of contracting dengue by protecting yourself from mosquito bites. This can be achieved by wearing clothes that cover most of your body, using mosquito nets (preferably sprayed with insect repellent) if sleeping during the day, installing window screens, and using mosquito repellents (containing DEET, Picaridin or IR3535), coils, and vaporizers. Papaya Leafs are also beneficial.
If you contract dengue, it’s crucial to rest, stay hydrated, use acetaminophen (paracetamol) for pain relief, and avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin.
