Several countries Central and South America They are experiencing a dengue epidemic, which is of growing concern to health authorities and the WHO. During 2023 some over 4 million cases across the continent. And in 2024 the situation has only gotten worse. In fact, there were 370,000 cases reported in January alone. most of them are in Brazilwith 262,000 patients diagnosed.
This is the country most affected by the dengue epidemic, but not the only one. Argentina, for example, reached its all-time high of cases in one year. Moreover, other countries such as Paraguay, Colombia, Mexico and Nicaragua. They never stop reporting new diagnoses. This is far from a new disease. In fact, dengue epidemics usually follow waves with peaks. every 3-5 years. The problem is that in recent years these highs have been much higher than in the past.
Globalization and climate change resulted in more and more mosquitoes appearing in more and more areas. Nothing else to see but mosquitoes floor Aedes carriers of the viruses that cause this disease were discovered in the 1970s only in 6 countries. However, now we can see these insects in 130 countries around the world. America, Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Fortunately, vaccines exist, but there are certain obstacles to their use. Therefore, many more measures will need to be taken to try to contain the latter. dengue epidemic.
The problem is the second infection
This disease is transmitted by a mosquito known as DENV of which there are mainly four serotypes. A fifth was found in some mosquitoes in the Thai jungle in 2013, but is much less common.
When any of these types of viruses infect a person after being bitten by a mosquito acting as a vector, two things can happen. If this is the first infection, it may progress. asymptomaticor with very mild symptoms. Some examples of them: headache and body pain, high fever, fatigue and nausea. On the other hand, if reinfected with a new serotype, the symptoms will be much more severe and may even lead to death due to septic shock.
For this reason, in some of the most affected countries, such as Brazil, The vaccine is only being administered people who have had their first infection and live in endemic areas. This vaccine has been difficult to obtain because it is not easy to immunize against four different types of viruses. However, some laboratories have been able to produce a vaccine in which the type 2 virus is genetically modified so that its DNA contains sequences that make other types of proteins. Thus, once it is weakened enough to not cause disease and injected into a healthy person, their immune system is able to produce antibodies against all serotypes of the virus.
During this dengue epidemic it is being used in some countries. However, many do not have sufficient medical or economic infrastructure to vaccinate their entire population. This is why it is done in some very specific cases.
On the other hand, in some countries where it is not endemic, such as Spain, people who intend to travel to these areas for tourism purposes can be vaccinated. Moreover, they do not need to have had a previous infection to do this.
What is the cause of the dengue epidemic?
A dengue epidemic of this magnitude has been expected for many years. The incidence of this disease in the Americas has increased eightfold since 2000, mainly for three reasons.
On the one hand, this is due globalization and movement of people from one area to another. In general, each serotype of the virus was found in different regions. However, the movement of travelers led to the mixing of many people, which contributed to the emergence of a second dangerous infection. On the other hand, climate change has led to an increase in areas with favorable temperature and humidity for the spread of mosquitoes that carry the virus.
Plus it was very relevant. accumulation of garbage in some areas. For example, experts warn that old tires The stranded areas outside landfills can provide an ideal place for mosquitoes to lay their eggs and harbor them while awaiting conditions conducive to their hatching.
If we add to all this that during COVID-19 pandemic Some mosquito control measures have been lifted in the hardest-hit countries. We have a Molotov cocktail that didn’t take long to spark a major dengue epidemic. Of course there is a way back. Climate change mitigation efforts, as well as vaccines and research to curb the mosquitoes that carry the disease, could be very helpful. For now, it is important for people in affected areas to avoid contact with mosquitoes. Especially in the first and last hours of the day. And, of course, especially if they have already suffered the first infection.
Source: Hiper Textual
