They are more likely to require hospitalization.
A recent study has highlighted that obese children infected with dengue fever are at a significantly higher risk of developing severe illness that requires hospitalization. An analysis of nearly 5,000 children with dengue in Sri Lanka revealed that those with higher body mass indexes (BMIs) faced greater hospitalization rates compared to their less overweight peers.
The study found that children classified as clinically obese were twice as likely to be hospitalized for dengue compared to those with lower BMIs. This correlation underscores the impact of obesity on the severity of dengue-related complications, as reported in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Dr. Neelika Malavige, a professor of immunology and molecular medicine at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in Sri Lanka, emphasized the need for public awareness about the increased risks associated with obesity and severe dengue.
This research comes in the wake of recent dengue alerts in the Florida Keys and a broader advisory from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about rising dengue infection risks in the United States. Dengue cases reached a record high of over 6.5 million globally in 2023, with more than 7,300 deaths. By the end of June 2024, around 10 million cases had been reported, continuing the trend of high incidence.
Dengue fever, often referred to as “breakbone fever,” causes severe joint, bone, and muscle pain, along with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and rash. Severe cases can lead to shock and, if not treated promptly, can be fatal. Although there is no specific treatment for dengue, a vaccine is available in the U.S. for children aged 9 to 16 living in areas where dengue is common.
The exact reasons why obesity may exacerbate dengue severity are not fully understood, but the study points to a general trend where obesity increases the risk of severe outcomes from various infections, such as influenza and COVID-19. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms by which obesity influences dengue severity, to develop targeted biomarkers and treatments for vulnerable populations.
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