Climate change has been identified as one of the most significant threats to human health, with a wide range of potential impacts. One such transmission is dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. Dengue is a major public health problem in many tropical and subtropical countries. The disease is endemic in more than 100 countries and is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality.
How Climate Change Plays a Vital Role in Dengue Fever Transmission
Climate change has been identified as a significant factor in the transmission of dengue fever. As the global climate gets warmer, the Aedes mosquito is able to survive in regions that were previously too cold for it, increasing the potential for dengue transmission. Rising temperatures can also affect the breeding and feeding patterns of mosquitoes, leading to an increase in their population and the number of times they bite humans. Additionally, changing rainfall patterns can create more standing water, which provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Symptoms
A lot of people do not exhibit any symptoms or indicators of a dengue infection.
When dengue fever symptoms do show up, they typically start four to ten days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and are sometimes are mistaken for other ailments, like the flu.
Any of the following signs and symptoms, as well as a high fever of 104 F (40 C), are brought on by dengue fever:
- Headache
- Joint, muscle, or bone pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- The back of the eyes hurt
- Enlarged glands
- Rash
Most people get better in about a week. In some situations, symptoms might get worse and even be fatal. Severe dengue, dengue hemorrhagic fever, or dengue shock syndrome are terms used to describe it.
There can be rapid development of severe dengue fever warning signs, which is a life-threatening emergency. The warning signals, which can include the following, may appear within the first or second day after your fever has subsided.
- A terrible tummy ache
- Continual vomiting
- Bleeding from the nose or gums
- Having blood in your faeces, urine, or vomit
- Under-the-skin bleeding that may resemble bruises
- Fast or difficult breathing
- Fatigue
- Easily irritated or restless
Treatment
There is no particular dengue treatment. The management of pain symptoms is the main goal.
Pain medication can be used to treat the majority of dengue fever cases at home. Pain management frequently involves the use of acetaminophen (paracetamol). Ibuprofen and aspirin are examples of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications that should be avoided since they raise the possibility of bleeding.
For those who have experienced dengue at least once and reside in areas where the illness is prevalent, there is a vaccine called Dengvaxia.
Hospitalization is frequently required for those with severe dengue symptoms.
The best defence against developing dengue is to avoid mosquito bites.
Diagnosis
Dengue tests may include blood tests such as:
Liver function tests (LFT): LFT is used to identify slight increases in serum bilirubin, transaminases, and albumin due to the hepatotoxic effects of the Aedes mosquito virus, which can also result in acute liver failure and catastrophic results.
A Renal Function Test (RFT): RFT is used to determine whether there is an increase in serum creatinine levels, which may indicate a number of renal diseases, including acute renal failure, acute tubular necrosis, hemolytic uremic syndrome, hypotension, rhabdomyolysis, proteinuria, glomerulopathy, nephrotic syndrome, or hemolysis.
Also Read: Pneumonia Fever – Symptoms, Stages, Causes, Treatment, Vaccine
Prevention
- Apply insect repellant, even when indoors
- When outside, wear long sleeves
- Check that the screens on your windows and doors are solid and without any gaps
- Use mosquito netting if your sleeping spaces don't have air conditioning
- Speak with your doctor if you experience dengue symptoms
The impact of climate change on dengue transmission creates an urgent need for effective public health policies and strategies to control mosquito populations, improve healthcare infrastructure, and mitigate the effects of climate change on vulnerable populations. Mosquito control measures, such as the use of insecticides and the elimination of breeding sites, have effectively reduced the incidence of dengue fever.
Climate change is causing a dire situation that is harming numerous industries and has raised long-term concerns. Hence, keeping track of changes in weather patterns can help develop a dengue surveillance system that would greatly assist the health sector in early prevention.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
