Dengue Fever

Jul 16, 2024 Editorial

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Kaieteur News – In recent months, hundreds of Guyanese have been infected with the Dengue Fever – some have even lost their lives.

Dengue is a viral infection that is transmitted via the bite of mosquitoes of the species Aedes Aegypti, and sometimes also by Aedes Albopictus. It most commonly occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, including the Asia-Pacific, Central American and Caribbean regions. Since the last major regional outbreak of Dengue fever in the Caribbean, the region has experienced two large outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases—Chikungunya in 2014 and Zika in 2016. The measures used for controlling the spread of Dengue fever are the same as those used for Zika and Chikungunya as these diseases are also transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. These mosquitoes can survive subfreezing temperatures, which has allowed dengue to spread to cooler climates. Before 1970, only nine countries had experienced severe dengue epidemics. Today, the disease is widespread in more than 100 countries worldwide. About half of the world’s population is at risk for dengue infection, and an estimated 500,000 people with severe dengue fever would require hospitalization each year. The mortality rate is about 2.5 percent.

A recent report by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) noted that Latin America and the Caribbean has reported 9.3 million cases of dengue so far this year, twice the number of cases reported in all of 2023. However, according to the latest epidemiological update, the fatality rate remains below the regional goal of 0.05%. “While we are seeing a notable increase in the number of dengue cases in the region this year, it is important to highlight that the proportion of cases that progress to death remains low thanks to countries’ efforts and the support of PAHO,” PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa said. “This situation highlights the importance of sustaining surveillance, strengthening prevention and control measures, and ensuring timely medical care,” he added.

In 2024 so far, countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have reported more than 9,500 cases of severe dengue (0.10%) and just over 4,500 deaths (fatality rate of 0.048%). Compared to the same period in 2023, all countries recorded increases in cases. This can be attributed to several factors, including territorial expansion of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, its main vector, which has expanded its range to areas where it was not present before, potentially due to factors such as El Niño and climate change. In addition, rapid unplanned urban expansion and population growth, combined with poor water and sanitation services, have created favorable conditions for the proliferation of mosquitoes in discarded objects and containers that accumulate water.

Experts have contended that the most effective way to avoid becoming ill from the viruses and to prevent them from spreading is to cover all open drums and tanks, clean all gutters to allow the free flow of water, remove stagnant water sources, properly dispose of used vehicle tyres, and empty bottles and buckets. Over the years, mosquito-borne diseases have threatened the health of the people, tourism, social and economic development of the Caribbean.

It is a global health problem and like Zika and Chikungunya, there is no specific treatment for the disease. However, non-specific treatments include rest; daily intake of plenty of fluids; and the use of paracetamol to control fever and pain but not aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines which could increase the risk of bleeding.

With the rainy season still with us, mosquito control and awareness activities need to be intensified. Governments in the region, in particular, the Ministries of Health, are advised to increase health promotion messages to prevent mosquitos biting and breeding sites; intensify vector surveillance and control and disseminate appropriate clinical care and treatment guidelines. Dengue fever is an infectious disease that can cause life-threatening illness or milder flu-like illness. It affects infants, young children and adults. The risk for severe dengue increases with each infection. It cannot be spread directly from person to person, only by mosquito bites. Its symptoms which are wide ranging typically begin four to ten days after infection by a mosquito. They include a high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea, a metallic taste in the mouth, muscle and joint pains pain particularly affecting the ankles, knees and elbows, minor bleeding from the nose and gums, extreme fatigue and a characteristic skin rash. Medical experts have cautioned that those with a pre-existing non-communicable or chronic disease would be at greater risk if they contract dengue. The disease is not usually fatal, however, in some cases, it could lead to death, especially among infants, young children and those with chronic diseases.

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• Aedes Albopictus, Asia-Pacific, Central American, dengue fever, mosquito

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