Recently, dengue infection is spreading rapidly, especially in Delhi where more than 500 cases have been reported this month. Not only in India but the worldwide cases of dengue have increased wildly. Dengue outbreaks are also serious in Brazil and other South American countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) data, more than 1.23 crore cases of dengue have been reported globally between January and August 2023, causing 7,865 deaths.
Dengue infection: what is and how it spreads
Dengue is a viral infection, which spreads through Aedes Egyptian mosquito bites. Symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, vomiting, pain in the eyes and rashes. There is a possibility of bleeding in severe cases, and in the absence of proper treatment, there is also a risk of death.
Global data
In the first eight months of this year, dengue cases have increased more than two times the previous year. 5.2 million cases were reported in 2022, while this year the figure has increased considerably. Experts believe that dengue cases may increase further in 2024, as the statistics in many countries have not yet been recorded correctly.
Dengue status in India
India has also seen an increase in dengue cases, especially in July and August. According to the National Mosquito-borne Disease Control Program, more than 32,000 dengue cases were registered in the country by the end of June. So far, there have been about 2.9 lakh cases and 485 deaths in 2023.
Due to spreading
Experts say that urbanization, climate change and the movement of people are the main reasons for the spread of dengue. Mosquitoes get more space for breeding in densely populated areas, especially when stable water collects during monsoon. The increase in temperature due to climate change opens new areas for breeding mosquitoes, increasing cases of infection.
Prevention measures
It is necessary to prevent mosquitoes from breeding to prevent dengue infection. For this:
- Do not allow water to accumulate: Do not let water collect in homes and surrounding areas. Take proper care of water in coolers, pots and other utensils.
- Take care of the Constitution: Wear loose, long clothes to avoid mosquitoes during the day.
- Use mosquito-escalating products: Use mosquito-fasting creams and sprays.