Millions Infected With Disastrous Fever
Dengue is surging across the Western Hemisphere in unprecedented numbers, marking a historic high in over four decades of recorded data. Experts attribute this surge to escalating temperatures and rapid urban development, hastening the spread of infections.
Throughout the Americas and the Caribbean, an alarming record of more than 4 million cases has been reported this year, surpassing the previous peak recorded in 2019. Reports from various regions, including the Bahamas and Brazil, highlight overwhelmed medical facilities and a daily surge in new infections, with over 2,000 reported deaths in these areas alone.
“This year marks the highest incidence of dengue in recorded history,” emphasized Thais dos Santos, an expert on arboviral diseases surveillance and control at the Pan American Health Organization. She underscored that record-keeping dates back to 1980, emphasizing the significance of vector-borne diseases in reflecting the impact of climate change.
Dr. Gabriela Paz-Bailey, from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Puerto Rico, pointed out that rising temperatures are expanding the mosquito habitat and accelerating viral replication within mosquitoes. This acceleration results in higher viral concentrations and heightened transmission probabilities.
Dr. Jeremy Farrar, the chief scientist at the World Health Organization, highlighted the broader global implications of these infections, citing climate change and urbanization as pivotal factors. He expressed concern that addressing these complex issues poses significant challenges worldwide.
As dengue cases soar, unprecedented occurrences emerge, such as record-breaking temperatures, prolonged seasons, and the virus’s spread into unusual regions, including instances in California and Florida. These areas reported their first locally-acquired cases this year, indicating the virus’s expanding reach.
The escalating global temperatures further compound this issue, with 2023 marking the second hottest year on record and the preceding Northern Hemisphere summer standing as the hottest ever recorded. Such climate fluctuations exacerbate the dengue crisis.
With over 4.5 million reported cases worldwide and an upward trend in deaths, dengue continues to emerge as a global concern, potentially surpassing the peak set in 2019. Dr. Farrar emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, stressing that dengue is not merely an issue limited to the Americas but a growing global phenomenon.
Countries like Bangladesh witness record cases and fatalities, reporting over 313,700 cases and 1,600 deaths, predominantly occurring within days of hospitalization. Moreover, the presence of dengue-carrying mosquitoes in 22 European nations has led to localized outbreaks in countries like France, Italy, and Spain.
This virus, transmitted primarily by infected female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, poses significant health risks, manifesting as severe headaches, fever, vomiting, and a rash. While many infected individuals remain asymptomatic, severe cases can lead to plasma leakage and fatal outcomes. Dengue spans 129 countries, impacting nearly half the global population, posing a substantial health threat on a worldwide scale.
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