WHO says dengue cases have multiplied by 10 times in the world

The World Health Organization said on Friday that the reported cases of dengue in the world have multiplied by 10 compared to the previous generation, which is partly due to the climate change and the increasing reproduction of mosquitoes that transmit the disease, which mainly affects the American continent.

The WHO It said reported cases rose to a record 5.2 million in 2019, up from 500,000 in 2000, in 129 countries around the world. He added that the real figure is probably higher.

In January, the WHO warned that the dengue It was a pandemic threat and was the fastest-spreading mosquito-borne disease. Although there are vaccines and mosquitoes Specially bred to contain a bacteria called Wolbachia to combat it, there are no specific treatments for the person infected with the virus.

This year more than 5 million cases of dengue and 5,000 deaths related to diseasesaid the WHO. Changes in the distribution patterns of transmitting mosquitoes, along with increased rainfall, humidity and heat—all linked to climate change—have been factors in the increase.

So are the weakening of the Systems of health and lack of surveillance.

Most cases of dengue They are asymptomatic or mild, although some can cause shock, severe bleeding and organ failure, symptoms that usually appear once the fever has dissipated, the study said. WHO.

Previous signs include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, fluid buildup, lethargy or restlessness, and liver inflammation. Relapses can cause bleeding and death.

Dengue fever spread throughout the Western Hemisphere this year. It has not affected Europe, although since 2010 cases of local transmission have appeared in the south of the continent.

The American continent, the Caribbean and Bangladesh have reported record incidence in 2023.

Four-fifths of the world’s cases were recorded in American countries, mainly Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Peru. Some areas of Peru They declared a state of emergency due to a historical incidence of the disease.

There are two authorized vaccines. Experts say one of them should only be applied to previously infected people, otherwise they face the risk of more serious illness.

With information from AP