WHO Official Warns of Dengue Fever Becoming Massive Threat Amid Global Warming

WHO's chief scientist has issued a serious global health warning; climate change could make dengue fever a major threat in areas previously untouched by the disease. According to a report by EuroNews.Green, the infection, transmitted by mosquitoes, is set to affect Europe, the United States, and several African regions within the next decade.

The chief scientist underscores climate change’s role in the rapidly shifting landscape of mosquito-borne diseases. Rising global temperatures are predicted to drive mosquitoes into territories unconventional to their breed, consequently bringing along diseases they carry.

Dengue fever has recorded high mortality rates in Latin America and Asia, causing around 20,000 deaths annually. Since the year 2000, the global rate of the disease has spiked by a factor of eight, attributing significantly to the planet's dangerous overheating, as per EuroNews.Green.

A striking 4.2 million cases were logged last year, with officials foreseeing a potentially record-breaking figure near the same in 2023. The gravity increases, considering a significant chunk of dengue fever cases goes unnoticed and unreported.

Dengue fever, often referred to as “break-bone fever,” induces severe muscle spasms and joint pain, making it particularly discomforting. The majority of patients show no symptoms which further complicates tracking and preventing outbreaks and transmission of the disease.

Research by the CDC indicates only around 5% of infected individuals developing severe forms of the disease. However, effectively diagnosed and treated, less than 1% of overall cases are fatal.

Particularly vulnerable populations include pregnant individuals, children, and people previously affected by Dengue. Vaccine availability exists with WHO recommending Takeda Pharmaceuticals' Qdenga vaccine for children between ages six to sixteen in affected regions.

Public funding for mosquito control, organizing hospital triaging, and home-based standing water elimination are some of the preventive strategies that may curb the anticipated dengue fever surge.