"Dengue Fever: A Growing Concern in Southern Europe, US, and Africa"

In a sobering warning, a top scientist from the World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned that Dengue fever, a once-distant threat, is poised to become a significant concern in the southern United States, parts of southern Europe, and new regions in Africa during this decade. This dire projection is a consequence of rising temperatures, which create ideal conditions for the mosquitoes that transmit the disease.

Historically, Dengue fever has plagued Asia and Latin America, resulting in an estimated 20,000 annual fatalities. Since 2000, global Dengue cases have surged eightfold, primarily attributed to climate change, increased human mobility, and urbanization. Although numerous cases go unreported, the year 2022 witnessed a staggering 4.2 million reported cases worldwide, and health authorities anticipate near-record transmission levels this year. Notably, Bangladesh is grappling with its most severe Dengue outbreak, with over 1,000 fatalities reported.

Jeremy Farrar, an infectious diseases specialist who recently joined the WHO, emphasized the urgency of addressing Dengue, stating, "We need to talk much more proactively about Dengue." He stressed the importance of preparing countries for the impending pressure this disease will exert on healthcare systems, particularly in major cities.

Farrar, who spent 18 years combatting tropical diseases in Vietnam, also served as the head of the Wellcome Trust global health charity and advised the UK government during the COVID-19 response before joining the WHO. He predicts that Dengue will likely "take off" and become endemic in parts of the United States, Europe, and Africa, where limited local transmission has already occurred, due to the effects of global warming. This looming threat could strain healthcare infrastructure in numerous countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.

Dengue is often asymptomatic, resulting in significantly higher actual case rates than reported numbers. Symptomatic individuals may experience high fever, muscle spasms, and excruciating joint pain, earning it the nickname "break-bone fever." In rare cases (less than 1%), Dengue can be fatal.

Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for Dengue, though a vaccine is available. Recently, the WHO recommended the use of Takeda Pharmaceuticals' Qdenga vaccine for children aged 6 to 16 in areas where Dengue is a significant public health concern. Although the vaccine is approved by the EU regulator, Takeda faced hurdles in the United States due to data collection issues and is still in discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding its approval.

Preparing new regions to confront Dengue involves directing public health funding towards essential areas, such as mosquito control. Dengue is transmitted by infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which exhibit distinct behavior compared to malaria-carrying mosquitoes. They bite indoors, throughout the day, and breed in shallow water.

Jeremy Farrar emphasized the importance of comprehensive prevention efforts, including hospital triage plans, scientific innovations, urban planning adjustments to reduce standing water in and around houses, and interdisciplinary collaboration among sectors that traditionally do not work together. It is clear that proactive measures are vital to combat the looming Dengue threat in regions where it has not been a prominent concern before.