Dengue fever is surging in 2024

2024-05-22

Since the beginning of 2024, 5 million dengue cases and 2,000 dengue-related deaths have been reported from 69 countries/territories.

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictusspecies. It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.

The widespread in 2024

Since the beginning of 2024, 5 million dengue cases and 2,000 dengue-related deaths have been reported from 69 countries/territories.

Geographical distribution of dengue cases reported worldwide | https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/dengue-monthly

Symptoms

Dengue symptoms typically appear 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can range from mild to severe. They include:

High fever
Severe headache
Pain behind the eyes
Joint and muscle pain
Nausea and vomiting
Skin rash
Mild bleeding (such as nose or gum bleeding, or easy bruising)

Severe dengue, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, is a potentially lethal complication. It is characterized by plasma leaking, fluid accumulation, respiratory distress, severe bleeding, or organ impairment.

Transmission

Dengue is primarily spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite during the day, with peaks at dawn and dusk. The virus is not spread directly from person to person.

Detection (Laboratory Testing)

Serological Tests:
- NS1 Antigen Test: Detects the presence of the dengue virus NS1 protein. It is effective within the first few days of symptom onset.
- IgM and IgG Antibody Tests: Detect antibodies against the dengue virus. IgM antibodies indicate a recent infection, while IgG antibodies suggest past infection or exposure. IgM can be detected from day 4-5 post-infection and remains for about 2-3 months.

AICHEK‘s NS1 Antigen Test & IgM/IgG Antibody test (As AICHEK is one of the BIOEAST Company, our NS1 protein is from BIOEAST)

Molecular Tests:
- Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR): Detects viral RNA in the blood. This test is highly specific and can confirm the presence of the virus within the first week of symptoms.
Complete Blood Count (CBC):
- Monitors platelet count (which typically drops in dengue), hematocrit (to detect hemoconcentration), and white blood cell count (which usually decreases).

Prevention

Preventing dengue involves avoiding mosquito bites and reducing mosquito populations. Key measures include:

Using insect repellent
Wearing long-sleeved clothing and long pants
Using mosquito nets
Eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed (e.g., flower pots, buckets, and discarded tires)
Installing window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out

Photo from freepik.com

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Management of dengue involves supportive care, such as:

Maintaining proper hydration
Taking acetaminophen (paracetamol) for fever and pain relief (avoiding aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, which can increase bleeding risk)
Monitoring for severe symptoms that require hospitalization

Vaccination

A dengue vaccine called Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV) has been approved for use in some countries, but its use is limited to individuals who have previously had a dengue infection and live in endemic areas. The vaccine is not recommended for individuals who have not been previously infected due to the risk of severe dengue upon subsequent exposure to the virus. Other vaccines are currently under development.

Understanding and addressing dengue involves coordinated efforts in public health measures, mosquito control, and community awareness to reduce the incidence and impact of this disease.