2023-10-09 14:33:00
Originating in Africa, dengue has spread in the whole world. It has become so widespread that currently, experts believe that it might become a threat to Europe.
Also called tropical flu, dengue is a viral disease transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquitoes. By feeding on blood, the insect spreads the virus in the human body. In its classic form, dengue manifests itself following 2 to 7 days of incubation. Although in most cases dengue is asymptomatic, it can also be characterized by different symptoms:
“After 3 to 4 days, a brief remission is observedthen the symptoms intensify – conjunctival hemorrhages, nosebleeds or bruising may occur – before regressing quickly following a week”, details the Pasteur Institute. Convalescence generally lasts around fifteen days. If it can be disabling, it is not considered a severe disease. On the other hand, it can have a serious form. In these cases, it is called dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Although dangerous, this form represents a small proportion of dengue cases. According to estimates only 1% of dengue cases are severe forms. In these cases, fever persists and multiple hemorrhages may occur, including gastrointestinal, skin or brain disorders.
The most affected by this form are children under 15 years old. They can develop a state of hypovolemic shock which, if not taken care of in time, can cause death. “Serious forms of dengue are increasingly frequently observed during recent epidemics“, explains the Pasteur Institute.
Dengue fever: a worrying increase in cases
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 50 million annual dengue cases. Long limited to Southeast Asia, trade and globalization have favored its spread. The first cases were detected in France in 2010. “France repeatedly reports indigenous cases of dengue since 2010 : 1 (2013), 4 (2014), 8 (2015), 8 (2018), 9 (2019), and 12 (2020)”, details the health organization. Public Health Franc estimates that the dengue mosquito vector has been established and active in 67 metropolitan departments since 2022.
However, the disease particularly affects the overseas departments. Over the past two weeks, Martinique has recorded 6 deaths attributable to dengue fever, which represents an increase in cases of 50% in three weeks . Since the beginning of the year, 8,315 patients consulted a local doctor for dengue syndrome. Experts believe this increase in cases is expected to spread and pose a threat, particularly in Europe.
Global warming: a risk of dengue epidemic in Europe
“Dengue will become a major threat in the southern United States, southern Europe and new parts of Africa during this decade,” said Jeremy Farrar, chief scientist at the World Health Organization (WHO), to Archyde.com, British news agency. According to him, global warming and rising temperatures promote the proliferation of mosquitoes carrying dengue fever.
“We need to talk regarding dengue much more proactive. We really need to prepare countries to face the additional pressure that will be exerted in the future in many large cities,” explains the researcher. He emphasizes the importance to prepare to correctly understand the risks of epidemics. “Hospital care is really intensive and requires a high ratio of nurses to patients. We need to combine different sectors that are not used to working together“, he concludes.
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