First transmission o dengue local in Europe occurred in 2010, with cases reported in France and Croatia. Since then, although imported cases continue to predominate, more and more outbreaks caused by mosquitoes native to the continent. This has always been a concern, but especially now that the numbers have skyrocketed to very alarming levels.
In fact, the number of dengue cases worldwide has increased, with 100–400 million diagnoses occurring annually. But they especially did it in Latin Americawhere only in 2023 were discovered more than 4 million. On the other hand, Europe, where the disease was completely absent a few years ago, also saw an alarming increase in 2023. 71 cases, the following year this figure rose to 130. This is in relation to indigenous dengue fever. There are many more imported cases: in 2022 there were 1,572. 4900 in 2023.
As for Spain, there were 615 cases in 2023. 3 of them are relatives. The mosquitoes that cause dengue fever are not new to our borders. However, every year there are more of them, and now we see that they, too, are increasingly beginning to transmit this disease. There can be many reasons; but, without any doubt, globalization and climate change They are the main culprits.
How serious is dengue disease?
Most people who become infected with dengue do not develop symptoms. An estimated 40% to 80% of new cases asymptomatic. Typically, when first infected, there are asymptomatic or very mild infections. It is in the second case that serious or even fatal complications often occur.
In addition, these complications are more likely in infants, children and adults with weakened immune systems. There is no specific treatment, but it is important to diagnose the disease as soon as possible to eliminate the symptoms. They range from very high fevers to severe headaches, including joint pain and rashes. Sometimes it can also cause vomiting, bleeding from the nose, gums and stool, paleness, weakness and, in the most severe cases, death from organ failure.
Overall mortality is estimated at less than 5%. If dengue hemorrhagic fever, which is much more severe and rare, occurs, the mortality rate can rise to 50%. In these cases, early attention is even more important as it can lead to save the patient’s life.
How can this be prevented?
The virus that causes dengue is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. Aedes albopictus And Aedes aegypti. The second is rare in Europe, but the first, better known as the tiger mosquito, is more than common on this continent.
Therefore, to prevent the disease, it is necessary to prevent bites in the first place. This can be done in different ways, for example using repellentsWear clothing that covers most of your skin or put mosquito nets on your windows. In addition, you should avoid areas with standing water, where mosquitoes are more common.
When it comes to vaccination, there are several options. The most used vaccine today is one that includes an attenuated virus, but is genetically modified so that proteins of all serotypes are found on its surface. That is, with the help of one virus protection is provided against all possible types.
Previously, there were vaccines against only one serotype. Since complications of secondary infection occur when it occurs with different serotypesPreviously, patients took an antibody test to check whether they had had their first infection and which vaccine they should get.
This is no longer necessary, although it is still done in countries with limited resources, as it is only administered to people at risk, including those who have already had their first infection. If it turns out that there are no antibodies from a previous infection, this may not be necessary. Although, logically, it is safest always get vaccinated.
At the moment the situation with dengue in Europe It’s not such a bad thing to resort to mass vaccination. There should be no panic in this regard. At best, if we want to do something to prevent the spread of disease, we can start by combating climate change.
Source: Hiper Textual
