Dodo Finance: WHO reports tenfold increase in dengue cases in the past generation

Title: Global Cases of Dengue Skyrocket over the Past Generation, Says WHO
Word Count: 377

Recorded cases of dengue fever have increased drastically over the past generation, alarming the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the WHO’s latest report, the number of dengue cases reached a staggering 5.2 million in 2019, a tenfold increase from 500,000 cases reported in 2000. The virus has spread across 129 countries worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for action.

Climate change and the expanding population of virus-carrying mosquitoes are considered major contributors to the transmission of dengue. Latin America, especially the Americas, has been the hardest hit by the disease. The WHO issued a warning in January, cautioning that dengue was not only a global pandemic threat but also the fastest-spreading mosquito-borne disease.

Efforts have been made to combat dengue, including the development of vaccines and the breeding of specially engineered mosquitoes. However, once someone becomes infected, there are no targeted treatments available. In 2019 alone, more than five million cases and over 5,000 dengue-related deaths were reported, underscoring the urgency of finding effective solutions.

In addition to climate change and the mosquito population surge, changing distribution patterns of dengue-carrying mosquitoes, coupled with increased rainfall, humidity, and heat, have played a significant role in the rise of dengue cases. Weaker health systems and inadequate surveillance have also contributed to the surge in infections.

While most individuals with dengue experience either no symptoms or mild illness, severe cases can lead to life-threatening symptoms such as shock, severe bleeding, and organ impairment. Recognizing the warning signs of severe dengue, including intense abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, fluid accumulation, lethargy or restlessness, and liver enlargement, is crucial to seeking prompt medical intervention.

Despite its rampant spread in the Western hemisphere, dengue has not yet established a presence in Europe. However, local transmission cases have been reported in the southern part of the continent since 2010, raising concerns about its potential further spread.

As dengue cases continue to rise globally, it is crucial for governments, health organizations, and communities to work together to address the challenges posed by this mosquito-borne disease. Stronger health systems, improved surveillance, intensified efforts to control mosquito breeding grounds, and the development of more accessible treatments and vaccines are essential in combating the dengue threat worldwide.