According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there has been a significant increase in dengue cases in North and South America. In 2023, 4.1 million cases were reported, which jumped to over 16 million in 2024.
Global Dengue Statistics
- Global Cases: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported over 14 million dengue cases worldwide in 2024, resulting in more than 10,000 deaths.
- Underreported Cases: Many dengue cases go unreported because people do not seek hospital treatment. It is estimated that around 400 million people are infected with dengue annually worldwide.
Impact of Rising Temperatures
A report from the Philippines and Puerto Rico published in the science journal ‘Nature’ indicates that rising temperatures contribute to an increase in dengue cases. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) notes that India’s temperature has risen by 5-7 degrees Celsius over the last 10-15 years, increasing the risk of dengue in India.
Dengue in India
- Cases and Deaths: As of October 31, 2024, India reported over 186,000 dengue cases and 160 deaths, according to the National Vector Borne Disease Control Center (NCVBDC).
- Recent Trends: Dengue cases have increased in India over the past few years, with a notable dip in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is Dengue?
Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus, spread through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.
Symptoms of Dengue
Symptoms typically appear 3-10 days after infection and include:
- High fever with headache
- Severe muscle, head, and joint pain (often referred to as “break bone fever”)
- Red rashes on the body
How Does Dengue Spread?
Dengue is a vector-borne disease spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which are most active during the day, especially in the morning and evening. If an infected person is bitten by an Aedes mosquito, that mosquito becomes infected and can then infect others.
Treatment for Dengue
There is no specific antiviral medication for dengue. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms such as fever and pain. Most people recover from dengue.
However, in severe cases (known as severe dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever), symptoms can include:
- Significant decrease in platelets and white blood cells
- Bleeding from the nose, gums, or stool
Dr. Ankit Patel advises that if such severe symptoms are observed, immediate hospitalization is crucial to prevent fatalities.
Preventing Dengue
To avoid dengue:
- Regularly change water in coolers to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Ensure no water accumulates in pots, buckets, old tires, or roof corners around your home.
- Use mosquito nets before sleeping.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can dengue spread from person to person? A: No, dengue does not spread through human contact but only through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.
Q: What should be kept in mind during dengue treatment? A: Since there is no specific medicine for dengue, medications are given to reduce fever and muscle pain. Regular monitoring of platelet counts is crucial because low platelet counts can be dangerous. If admitted to the hospital, arrange for blood donors in advance as transfusions may be needed.
Q: Which tests are done to detect dengue? A: Blood tests such as NS1 antigen or RT-PCR are done in the early stages of infection. After five days, IgM and IgG antibody tests are conducted. Platelet counts are also checked through CBC tests.
By understanding these aspects of dengue, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from this increasing health threat.