WHO Warns: Dengue Fever Now the Fastest-Spreading Mosquito-Borne Disease Worldwide

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) cited dengue fever as the world’s fastest-spreading mosquito-borne disease. The mosquito-borne viral disease typically found in tropical and sub-tropical climates spreads rapidly in more than 100 countries worldwide, affecting around 400 million lives annually. 

 

The Department of Health reported a 40% increase in dengue cases compared to last year, and the high count went ahead of the usual rainy season in the Philippines. Nine local government units have reported a concerning rise in the number of dengue cases, with Quezon City already declaring an outbreak.

 

With the spike in numbers, there is also a lot of misinformation associated with the mosquito-borne viral disease. Real Talk Breaking News of Barangay Bell-Kenz, a health advocacy online series on Bell-Kenz Facebook page, puts to the fore the significance of right information amid the concerning rise of dengue cases in the Philippines.

 

Real Talk Breaking News guest medical expert Dr. Jay Ron Padua, a Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist, shares that debunking some myths surrounding dengue is important to drive public awareness in seeking timely medical treatment.

Some of the common myths that can lead to misinformation about dengue:

 

Myth #1. Dengue is just a mild disease. 

 

Fact: While most patients with dengue have no symptoms (asymptomatic) or present with mild symptoms, dengue can be severe and life-threatening in some patients especially if not detected early and managed adequately.

 

Myth #2. You can only get dengue once in your lifetime.

 

Fact: Dengue virus has 4 distinct serotypes. Infection with 1 serotype will render lifelong immunity to  that particular serotype and transient cross-protection against the other serotypes for a few months. Hence, getting the disease from the other 3 dengue serotypes is still possible!

 

Myth #3. Dengue is highly contagious. You can easily get it from being around an infected person.

 

Fact: Dengue isn't contagious, so it cannot be spread from person to person. It is only transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected female mosquito.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Myth #4. Dengue-infected mosquitoes only breed in dirty stagnant waters.

 

Fact: The Aedes mosquitoes (the primary vectors of  the dengue virus) breed by laying their eggs on stagnant water, regardless if it's clean or dirty.

 

Myth #5. Dengue is only prevalent during the rainy season.

 

Fact:  While we see an uptick of cases in the Philippines during the rainy months, the dengue virus is capable of infecting people all year round, thus the risk of infection remains constant. As long as the condition is favorable for the mosquitoes to survive, dengue outbreaks can occur at any season/time of the year.

 

Dr. Padua reiterates that dengue is preventable and treatable with the right information, knowledge and precautions. Individuals and communities can protect themselves from dengue by implementing the 5S Strategy by the Department of Health:

 

1. Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites

2. Seek early consultation at the nearest health care facility

3. Employ Self-protection measures like applying of insect repellents, wearing long protective clothing, use of mosquito nets

4. Support fogging and misting in the community during outbreaks

5. Sustain hydration

 

 

Watch the full episode of Real Talk Breaking News here. Stay updated with accurate and reliable  information about dengue and other health topics that matter, followBarangay Bell-Kenz on Facebook and YouTube.

 

Dengue Decoded: Dispelling Myths and Protecting Your Health

 As the rainy season persists, communities across the country are facing a surge in health concerns, with dengue fever emerging as a pressing issue. Recent data from the Department of Health (DOH) has reported a troubling 15% increase in dengue cases compared to the same period last year.1 This rise is a reminder of the urgent need for vigilance and accurate information to combat this rapidly spreading mosquito-borne illness.

Dengue fever, recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the fastest-spreading mosquito-borne illness globally, affects approximately 400 million people each year and is prevalent in over 100 countries.2 The increased incidence this year highlights the need for proactive measures and clear communication about the disease.

 

Despite the growing threat, many myths and misconceptions continue to cloud public understanding of dengue. Addressing these misconceptions is crucial for effective prevention and protection:

 

Myth #1: Dengue fever cannot be contracted more than once.

 

Fact: The dengue virus (DENV) has four distinct serotypes. Immunity from one serotype does not protect against the others, making subsequent infections possible and potentially more severe.

 

Myth #2: Dengue is contagious.

 

Fact: Dengue is transmitted through bites from infected female mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti3. It cannot be contracted through human contact or respiratory droplets, making mosquito control essential.

 

Myth #3: An infected mosquito only breeds in dirty stagnant water.

 

Fact: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes lay eggs in any stagnant water, whether clean or dirty. Common breeding sites include basins, pots, jars, and rain gutters. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent mosquito infestation.

 

Myth #4: Dengue fever is only a risk during the rainy season.

 

Fact: While the rainy season can increase mosquito breeding sites, dengue fever is a risk year-round due to mosquitoes being attracted to carbon dioxide and heat.

 

Myth #5: The body can naturally recover from dengue fever without medical intervention.

 

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1DOH: Dengue cases 15% higher in 2024 1H

2 World Health Organization: WHO & World Health Organization: WHO. (2024, April 23). Dengue & severe dengue

3 Dunkin, M. A. (2023, September 24). Dengue Fever

 

Fact: Dengue fever usually presents as a week-long episode of severe headache, vomiting, and muscle pain4. Immediate medical attention is crucial, as some individuals may require hospitalisation despite initial recovery with rest and hydration.

 

With no specific cure for dengue fever, the focus must remain on preventive measures and accurate information. In response to the increasing number of cases, Pru Life UK is stepping up to support affected individuals and families.

 

Both PRUDengue MedCare and PRUDengueMedCare Pro provide financial assistance upon diagnosis of dengue. Additionally, PRUMedCare – Select Infectious Diseases offers broader coverage, including protection against a range of infectious diseases namely Dengue, Typhoid, Measles, and Malaria. Both products are designed to help Filipino families manage the financial impacts of health risks, providing essential support during unforeseen events.

 

For more information on Pru Life UK's protection products, visit https://www.prulifeuk.com.ph/en/.