7 FACTS You Must Know! About Dengue Fever
Data from the World Health Organization reports that each year, up to 400 million people worldwide are infected with dengue fever. Approximately 100 million people show symptoms from the infection, and 40,000 people die from severe dengue fever. Therefore, dengue fever is another dangerous disease that should not be overlooked. Today, Phyathai 3 Hospital invites everyone to understand the 7 facts you must know about dengue fever.
1. The incidence of dengue fever has increased more than 30 times
Dengue fever infection rates have continuously increased, rising 30 times compared to 50 years ago. Before 1970, only 9 countries reported dengue outbreaks, but now dengue outbreaks have been found in 129 countries worldwide. In other words, more than half of the world’s population is at risk of dengue infection, especially in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Pacific islands. In Asia, the risk of dengue fever is as high as 70%.
2. As urban communities increase, dengue outbreaks also increase
Dense urban communities often create more mosquito breeding sites, increasing the number of mosquitoes that can bite and spread the virus. Travelers unknowingly infected can carry the dengue virus far and wide through domestic and international travel. Additionally, global warming, with rising temperatures and increased humidity and warmth, further promotes mosquito growth.
3. There are 4 strains of dengue virus
The dengue virus has 4 strains: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. Most dengue infections are asymptomatic or mild, but some cases can develop into severe dengue fever.
Warning signs of severe dengue infection include:
• Severe abdominal pain
• Frequent and continuous vomiting
• Rapid breathing
• Bleeding gums
• Extreme fatigue
• Weakness
• Vomiting blood
4. We can be infected with dengue fever up to 4 times
Because there are 4 strains of the dengue virus and outbreaks alternate among them, different strains circulate each year. If you have had dengue from one strain, your body only develops immunity to that specific strain. Therefore, you remain at risk of infection from the other 3 strains, meaning you can be infected up to 4 times in your lifetime.
5. Re-infection increases the risk of more severe symptoms
If a second dengue infection is caused by a different strain, the risk of severe symptoms increases. After the first infection, the immune system produces antibodies to fight the virus, but these antibodies do not provide permanent protection or protect against other strains. When infected again by a different strain, the immune response can become confused and ineffective, leading to more severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms during the second infection.
6. Dengue fever can infect anyone
The Aedes mosquito is the vector for dengue fever and is considered the fastest spreading vector in the world. Therefore, wherever Aedes mosquitoes are present, there is a risk of dengue infection. To emphasize, everyone is at risk of dengue infection at all times.
7. Dengue fever can be prevented with vaccines
Although there is currently no specific medicine to treat dengue fever, treatment is supportive based on symptoms and severity. Besides preventing mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding sites, vaccination is another way to prevent and reduce the risk of dengue. There are two types of dengue vaccines available: the 3-dose vaccine (Dengvaxia) and the 2-dose vaccine (QDenga).
