Dengue Cases Rise 10% Worldwide, WHO Says

(CTN News) – The Dengue World Health Organization (WHO) has released an official statement highlighting a significant rise of 10% in the global transmission of the Dengue virus. It is anticipated that this upward trajectory will persist in the foreseeable future.

In the year 2000, the WHO reported 500,000 cases of Dengue worldwide, which escalated to over 2.5 million in 2019. However, the current year has witnessed a noticeable surge in these cases.

It is important to note that the reported cases may not reflect the complete picture, and the actual number of Dengue cases could be much higher. This alarming increase of 10% in cases compared to the previous generation poses a serious threat.

Sub-agencies of the United Nations (UN) have identified various contributing factors to the spread of Dengue, including changes in mosquito behavior due to intense and frequent rains, humidity, extreme heat, and climate variations.

In October 2023, the World Health Organization issued a warning regarding the potential epidemic in certain countries.

According to the estimates provided by the WHO, approximately 20,000 individuals lose their lives every year on a global scale, with nearly 450 million people being affected annually. However, obtaining reliable data on Dengue remains a challenge.

The initial symptoms of this disease typically manifest 4 to 6 days after infection and persist for approximately 10 days. These symptoms include a sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, intense joint and muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and a skin rash that appears 2 to 5 days after the fever begins.

It is important to note that less than 1% of cases result in severe complications, such as bone fever, particularly in children, which can cause significant distress.

The current situation emphasizes the urgent need for a strong global health system and collaborative efforts to effectively monitor and combat the escalating threat of Dengue worldwide.

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