Dengue Fever Cases Surge in the Americas, Linked to Climate Change
Record-Breaking Cases
Nearly 12 million cases of dengue fever have been recorded in the Americas this year, close to triple last year’s total. This exceptional surge in cases has led to a growing concern among public health experts.
Climate Change’s Role
Research presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene suggests that climate change is responsible for nearly a fifth of the world’s dengue burden. The study attributes this to rising temperatures, which enable mosquito-borne diseases to spread to new areas.
Future Projections
By 2050, the research predicts that climate change could be responsible for a 60% increase in the incidence of dengue if emissions continue at pace. Some areas, such as parts of Peru, Mexico, Bolivia, and Brazil, are expected to see spikes of up to 200%.
Public Health Experts’ Concerns
Public health experts have long warned that global warming enables mosquito-borne diseases to spread to new places because it expands the geographic range where the insects that serve as vectors live and thrive. Mallory Harris, a co-author of the new research, emphasized the need to prepare for large epidemics in the future and think about ways to respond to them.
United States and Territories
In the United States and its territories, more than 7,200 dengue cases have been tallied so far this year, more than double last year’s total and the highest since 2013. Puerto Rico has declared a public health emergency amid an alarming rise in dengue infections.
Research Methodology
The new research analyzed temperature records and incidence data on dengue across 21 countries in Asia and the Americas over an average of 11 years. The researchers compared the data to a simulation of what would have happened during that time period without human-caused climate change.
Conclusion
The findings highlight the connection between greenhouse gas emissions and specific health consequences. The researchers emphasize the need to prioritize vaccines, better manage mosquito populations, and ensure hospitals and health care providers prepare for a rise in dengue cases.
FAQs
Q: What is dengue fever?
A: Dengue fever is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes.
Q: What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
A: Symptoms can include a fever, headache, joint pain, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can cause bleeding under the skin, in the nose, or in urine or stool, as well as a sudden drop in blood pressure or even death.
Q: How is dengue fever spread?
A: Dengue fever is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, typically the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
Q: Can dengue fever be prevented?
A: While there is no vaccine available, efforts to curb mosquito populations and prevent mosquito bites can help prevent the spread of dengue fever.
Q: What is being done to address the surge in dengue fever cases?
A: Public health experts are emphasizing the need to prioritize vaccines, better manage mosquito populations, and ensure hospitals and health care providers prepare for a rise in dengue cases.
