Raman Velayudhan, the director of the tropical diseases unit of the World Health Organization (WHO), made evaluations about the increase in dengue fever cases in recent years at the weekly press conference of the UN Geneva Office.
Stating that half of the world’s population is at risk of contracting the dengue virus transmitted to humans through mosquitoes, Velayudhan said, “WHO recorded an 8-fold increase in dengue fever cases in the 2000-2022 period. In this process, the number of cases increased from 500 thousand to 4.2 million.” used the phrases.
“Actual numbers may be higher”
Velayudhan underlined that the real figures about the virus may be higher as WHO has reached more accurate figures in recent years.
Pointing out that dengue fever affects about 129 countries, Velayudhan said that about 100 to 400 million cases are reported annually.
Emphasizing that 80 percent of dengue-related cases are asymptomatic, Velayudhan noted that only Sanofi Pasteur has developed a vaccine against this virus at the moment.
Pointing out that this vaccine has been registered for use in about 20 countries, Velayudhan said, “The vaccine protects individuals infected with dengue only once, and those infected with the virus need to take 3 doses.” said.
Velayudhan noted that deaths from dengue fever are estimated at between 40 and 70,000 per year, and there are many countries that do not report these deaths.
dengue fever
Dengue fever virus, which is seen in tropical and subtropical regions, is transmitted to humans through mosquitoes. The disease, which generally causes mild fever after the incubation period, can cause death in some cases.
Cases increase in June, September, December and March, commonly known as the “rainfall seasons”.
Scientists warn that high temperatures and prolonged rainfall are causing an increase in mosquitoes that carry malaria and dengue fever.
Since the mosquito species that causes the disease creates larvae in water puddles, garbage puddles especially in industrial environments need to be sprayed constantly.