Dengue and severe dengue
Here’s a condensed version of the key information provided:
### Key Facts
- **Dengue Overview**: Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, primarily the *Aedes aegypti* species.
- **Global Risk**: About half of the world’s population is at risk, with an estimated 100–400 million infections annually.
- **Geographic Spread**: Dengue is prevalent in tropical and subtropical climates, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.
- **Symptoms**: While many infections are mild or asymptomatic, severe cases can lead to death. Symptoms typically appear 4–10 days after infection and can include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rash.
- **Severe Dengue**: Severe cases can cause severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums, fatigue, and blood in vomit or stool, and require immediate medical attention.
- **Treatment**: There is no specific treatment for dengue. Management focuses on symptom relief, with acetaminophen commonly used for pain. Severe cases often require hospitalization.
- **Prevention**: Prevent mosquito bites through protective clothing, mosquito nets, repellents, and environmental control to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
- **Global Impact**: Dengue cases have surged in recent decades, with 2023 recording the highest number of cases (6.5 million) and over 7,300 deaths across more than 80 countries.
- **Vaccines**: One vaccine (QDenga) has been approved for use in some countries for children aged 6 to 16 in high-transmission areas, with other vaccines under development.
### WHO Response
- **Outbreak Management**: WHO supports countries with outbreak confirmation, technical guidance, and improved reporting systems.
- **Training and Strategy**: WHO provides training on clinical management, diagnosis, and vector control, and helps countries develop dengue prevention and control strategies.
- **Global Initiatives**: WHO promotes the Global Vector Control Response (2017–2030) and the Global Arbovirus Initiative (2022–2025) to combat dengue and other vector-borne diseases.
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