Dengue: where are we today?
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Dengue: where are we today?
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Maria Guadalupe Guzman, Susana Vázquez, Gustavo Kouri
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Dengue: where are we today?
Year: 2009
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Dengue is recognized as the primary arthropod-borne viral disease affecting humans, with an estimated 50–100 million infections annually and more than 2.5 billion individuals living in endemic areas. The disease is caused by any of the four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1 to 4), transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti. The clinical spectrum ranges from asymptomatic infections to Dengue Fever (DF) and severe forms known as dengue haemorrhagic fever with or without dengue shock syndrome (DHF/DSS). Recent years have seen a notable rise in dengue incidence, spurred by global urbanization, population growth, and environmental factors, leading to new findings and global initiatives in tackling this viral illness.
The Impact of Climate Change on Dengue Transmission
Climate change significantly exacerbates the dengue epidemiological situation. Factors such as rising temperatures, altered precipitation, and changing humidity levels impact the biology and ecology of the mosquito vectors responsible for transmitting the virus. A predicted temperature increase of 2°C is expected to enhance transmission potential by shortening the maturation cycle of mosquito larvae and increasing their reproductive rates. Furthermore, warmer conditions may lead to mosquitoes digesting blood more quickly and feeding more frequently, thereby elevating the likelihood of dengue transmission. These climatic shifts, coupled with the historical epidemiological trends, suggest an urgent need to address the potential rise in dengue cases globally.
Conclusion
The current epidemiological trends of dengue highlight a pressing public health concern, marked by rising incidence rates, especially in the Americas and Asia-Pacific regions. Efforts to understand the economic and health burdens associated with dengue are crucial, but further studies are necessary to quantify these impacts comprehensively. Additionally, findings regarding possible dengue transmission via blood transfusions raise new challenges for managing and preventing the disease. As global conditions shift due to climate change and urbanization, enhanced preventive measures, continued research, and effective management strategies are imperative to mitigate the impact of dengue on affected populations.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the primary cause of dengue infections in humans?
Dengue is caused by any of the four dengue viruses (DENV-1 to 4), which are RNA viruses transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti.
What are the different clinical manifestations of dengue illness?
Dengue can manifest as asymptomatic infection, mild Dengue Fever (DF), or severe forms like dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), with severity varying widely among individuals.
How has global urbanization affected dengue epidemiology?
Rapid urbanization, population growth, international travel, and poor living conditions have facilitated the expansion of dengue, increasing cases primarily in Asia and the Americas, with significant outbreaks occurring in new regions.
What are the potential effects of climate change on dengue transmission?
Climate change may worsen dengue epidemiology by increasing temperatures, which can enhance mosquito reproduction, feed frequency, and shorten the extrinsic incubation period of the virus, leading to higher transmission rates.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Dengue: where are we today?”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Transmission:
Transmission refers to the process through which the dengue virus spreads from infected mosquitoes, specifically Aedes species, to humans. Understanding transmission dynamics is crucial for preventing outbreaks, as it helps identify high-risk areas and the conditions that facilitate the virus's spread, ultimately guiding control measures and public health interventions.
2) Viru (Vīṟu):
The term 'viru' is likely referring to viruses, specifically the dengue virus, which has four serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4). Comprehending these viral classifications aids in diagnosing infections and developing targeted vaccines, as different serotypes can cause varying degrees of illness and complications in infected individuals.
3) Blood:
Blood plays a critical role in the transmission and severity of dengue. As dengue can be transmitted via blood transfusions, understanding the presence of DENV RNA in blood donations raises concerns about safety and necessitates stricter screening methods to prevent transfusion-related infections and protect vulnerable recipients.
4) Epidemic:
An epidemic refers to a sudden increase in disease cases within a specific area. Recent dengue epidemics, marked by multiple viral serotypes circulating simultaneously and high case counts, reflect the growing impact of the disease worldwide, calling for enhanced surveillance and effective outbreak management strategies to control its spread.
5) Fever:
Fever is a prominent clinical manifestation of dengue and is often one of the first symptoms experienced. Identifying fever alongside other symptoms helps clinicians classify the illness and determine the appropriate interventions. The presence of fever can indicate dengue fever or potentially more severe forms of the disease.
6) Observation:
Observation involves the monitoring of dengue cases and their trends, providing crucial data that informs public health responses. It encompasses new findings and patterns, contributing to a deeper understanding of dengue transmission, epidemiology, and clinical outcomes, allowing for more effective prevention and control measures to be implemented worldwide.
7) Disease:
Dengue disease encompasses a spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from mild dengue fever to severe forms such as dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. Recognizing the disease's severity is vital for timely management, resource allocation, and patient care, especially in endemic regions with high transmission rates.
8) Biodegradable:
Biodegradable materials are those that can decompose naturally and reduce environmental pollution. In the context of dengue, poor waste management of non-biodegradable containers fosters mosquito breeding sites, thus increasing transmission risk. Promoting biodegradable solutions is essential for urban planning and vector control efforts in dengue-endemic areas.
9) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the understanding gained from research, surveillance, and clinical observations regarding dengue. Heightened knowledge surrounding the disease's epidemiology, pathogenesis, and diagnostic methods informs public health policies, improves patient management strategies, and facilitates the development of effective vaccines and control programs against dengue transmission.
10) Container:
Containers serve as critical breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes, responsible for dengue transmission. Improper disposal of containers that can hold water contributes to mosquito population growth. Effective vector control strategies must address these environmental conditions by ensuring proper sanitation and waste management to mitigate the risk of dengue outbreaks.
11) Activity:
Activity relates to the occurrence and trends of dengue cases in specific regions. Increased dengue activity often correlates with environmental factors, such as climate conditions, and indicates periods of heightened transmission risk. Monitoring patient activity is essential for outbreak prediction and implementing timely public health responses.
12) Bleeding:
Bleeding is a serious symptom associated with severe dengue cases, particularly in dengue hemorrhagic fever. Recognizing the presence of bleeding manifestations enables healthcare professionals to identify at-risk patients and initiate appropriate clinical management. Understanding bleeding's implications is critical for reducing complications and improving patient outcomes in severe cases.
13) Family:
Family refers to the classification of the dengue virus within the Flavivirus family. Understanding its relationship with other viruses in this family aids researchers in developing vaccines and treatments. This knowledge is pivotal for grasping the complexities of viral infections and tailoring public health strategies effectively.
14) Water:
Water plays a significant role in the life cycle of Aedes mosquitoes, as they require standing water for breeding. Changes in water management practices can directly affect mosquito populations and, consequently, the transmission of dengue. Effective control measures include eliminating standing water to prevent mosquito breeding and reduce dengue risk.
15) Study (Studying):
Study refers to research conducted on dengue to understand its epidemiology, clinical outcomes, and economic impact. Ongoing research is essential for elucidating the disease's burden on global health systems, establishing effective control measures, and informing public health policy—a crucial element in evolving strategies against dengue transmission.
16) Life:
Life, particularly in terms of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), reflects the burden of dengue on affected individuals and communities. Assessing the life impact of dengue helps quantify its economic and health implications, guiding resource allocation for prevention and control strategies aimed at reducing disease incidence.
17) Hand:
Hand symbolizes human actions in preventing dengue transmission. It relates to community engagement in vector control practices, such as eliminating standing water and using repellents. Encouraging personal responsibility and collective action among communities can significantly impact mosquito populations and, therefore, the prevalence of dengue.