Why Dengue Fever Is a Threat in 2024
Why Dengue Fever Transmission is a Threat in 2024
As the year continues, the threat of Dengue Fever has become increasingly concerning to the public, affecting more than 100 million humans annually. Because climate change and temperatures continue to rise, many epidemiologists warn that Dengue Fever will become increasingly endemic across much of Southern Europe, the United States and other potential areas. With Dengue Fever transmissions becoming more and more prevalent in 2024, understanding Dengue Fever and how, if not controlled, it can lead to a global health crisis is crucial. In this blog, we will dive into what could potentially be heightening the threat of Dengue Fever in 2024, its global impact, challenges in prevention and how MosquitoNix® can help you.
Understanding Dengue Fever Symptoms
Dengue fever is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which infects most individuals where it resides - in tropical, warmer climates. Dengue Fever is referred to by many as, "breakbone fever" from the muscle spasms and joint pains often experienced. According to the World Health Organization, symptoms can include a high fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, pain behind the eyes and muscle and joint pain. Around four to ten days after being bitten by a mosquito infected with the virus, one may begin to experience the common symptoms. For most, these symptoms will last up to two weeks, but many individuals notice feeling tired and fatigued for several weeks afterward. For some of those infected who are more fortunate, none of these symptoms will occur whatsoever.
For some cases, Dengue Fever can go beyond common symptoms, and may even lead to death. Individuals who have been infected with Dengue Fever more than once, are at risk of experiencing more extreme symptoms. These symptoms, known as severe Dengue can include persistent vomiting, respiratory distress, severe bleeding, fatigue, organ issues, severe abdominal pain and pale, cold skin. However, with proper care, a quick diagnosis and effective mosquito bite prevention tactics these severe symptoms can be avoided.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Unfortunately, Dengue Fever symptoms are uncharacteristically similar to many other mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria, influenza, Zika or yellow fever making it difficult to recognize and diagnose without a combination of factors. Doctors and healthcare providers consider a patient's symptoms alongside laboratory tests in order to come to an accurate diagnosis. If you or someone you know thinks you may be infected with Dengue Fever, diagnostic testing is available from diagnostic laboratories, state public health laboratories or the CDC's Dengue Branch.
As previously mentioned, early detection is urgent in order to receive prompt and essential medical care to manage and prevent extreme symptoms. This is why knowing the symptoms and whether or not you are in an area putting you at risk for contracting Dengue Fever is crucial. With early detection, most cases are easily treatable with rest at home and pain medication such as acetaminophen. Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin can increase bleeding risks, so most doctors will advise staying away from them for pain management. Those with more severe cases or infants, older individuals, pregnant women or those with diabetes may need to be admitted to a hospital for additional treatment. If an individual aged nine to sixteen years old becomes infected with Dengue Fever once or lives in areas with an increased risk of contracting it, the Dengue Fever vaccine Dengvaxia® is also an option.
Transmission of Dengue Fever
Flying insects that transmit Dengue Fever thrive and survive in warm climates where cold, dry weather is infrequent. However, with climate change leading to warmer, humid weather across the globe Dengue Fever has crept into the United States. According to the, there are currently over 400 reported cases of Dengue Fever in the United States and its territories. Other than being easily transmitted from the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, since the virus can remain present in the blood for up to seven days, blood transmission is also possible through exposure to infected blood, organs or other tissues.
The Global Impact
2024 has seen a notable increase in Dengue Fever outbreaks worldwide, affecting millions of people in various regions across the globe. The World Health Organization notes that about half of the world's population is now at risk of dengue with an estimated 100-400 million infections occurring yearly. Because a number of cases are asymptomatic or only present mild symptoms there are a lot of cases of Dengue Fever that go unreported. While endemic in more than 100 countries worldwide, the Americas, Southeast Asia and Western Pacific regions are the most seriously affected, with Asia representing around 70% of the global disease burden. Globally, this disease not only strains already burdened healthcare systems in countries such as Brazil, India, Indonesia and more but it leads to substantial economic impacts with healthcare costs, loss of productivity and a decline in tourism.
Climate Change and Dengue
Climate change and the rise in Dengue Fever cases during 2024 go hand and hand. According to the National Institute of Medicine, the most important climatic factors linked to dengue transmission are temperature, rainfall and relative humidity. Rising global temperatures and altered precipitation patterns create favorable conditions for mosquito breeding and the spread of the Dengue virus. Changes in temperature and humidity influence mosquito behavior, extending the geographic range of Aedes mosquitoes and increasing the likelihood of Dengue transmission in previously unaffected areas.
Challenges in Prevention
While doctors are actively researching how to prevent transmission, there is no specific anti-viral treatment for Dengue Fever, and available vaccines such as Dengvaxia® offer limited protection and circumstances when it can be used. Additionally, Dengvaxia® is not yet approved for use in U.S. travelers going to areas where Dengue Fever is endemic, but don't have permanent plans to stay there and are simply visiting. With travel and the risk of being infected with Dengue Fever going hand in hand, the CDC recommends the following Dengue Fever prevention methods when traveling to areas with a higher increase in risk:
- Stay in areas with well-screened windows, doors or AC
- Always wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts to ensure body parts are covered
- Use insect repellent
- If staying for a long period, empty and clean or cover any standing water that can be a mosquito-breeding site in the local residence
MosquitoNix®'s Role in Dengue Fever Prevention
As one of the leading providers of mosquito control solutions, MosquitoNix can help with Dengue prevention efforts, whether that be keeping mosquitoes away or providing guides on how to educate yourself about common mosquito-borne illnesses. By employing eco-friendly mosquito control services and other innovative strategies, MosquitoNix® helps mitigate the risk of Dengue transmission in residential, commercial and public spaces where Dengue may be present. From gentle, non-toxic outdoor MosquitoNix® Misting Systems to one-step QuickNix® fogging treatments, MosquitoNix offers comprehensive solutions tailored to specific needs and environments. Contact us today to get started.
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