In various cities around the world, increasing cases of dengue-related diseases are being recorded every year. Understanding this disease becomes vital as it has started to pose a significant threat to public health.
An Overview of Dengue
Dengue is a tropical disease transmitted through mosquitoes, mainly of the species Aedes, specifically Aedes aegypti. This same species is also accountable for the spread of chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika infection. The causative agent behind dengue is the dengue virus that belongs to the genus Flavivirus.
There are four major serotypes (groups within a species of microorganisms sharing similar characteristics) of the virus – DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4.
Symptoms of Dengue
People affected by the dengue virus typically show symptoms like sudden high fever, severe headaches, eye pain, and extreme bone, joint, and muscle pain, among other signs.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The detection of dengue is generally done through a blood test. Currently, there isn’t any specific medication available for the treatment of this infection.
Status of Dengue
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the incidence of dengue worldwide has escalated dramatically in the last few decades. A huge portion of these cases are under-reported. It’s estimated that there are about 39 crore dengue virus infections every year, with about 9.6 crores showing symptoms.
In India alone, over 1 lakh dengue cases were registered in 2018, and over 1.5 lakh cases in 2019, as per the National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP). The NVBDCP, working under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, serves as the primary agency for preventing and controlling six vector-borne diseases in India.
Controlling Dengue Using Bacteria
In a recent study, researchers from the World Mosquito Program have discovered a successful measure to control dengue in Indonesia using mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia bacteria. The method involved infecting some mosquitoes with Wolbachia and then releasing them into the city. These infected mosquitoes bred with local mosquitoes, gradually leading to the spread of Wolbachia bacteria among most of the mosquito population.
This method, known as the Population Replacement Strategy, resulted in a 77% reduction in dengue cases over 27 months in areas where Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes were released.
Dengue Vaccine
In 2019, the US Food & Drug Administration approved CYD-TDV or Dengvaxia, becoming the first dengue vaccine to receive regulatory approval in the US. This vaccine contains a live, attenuated dengue virus. It is administered to individuals aged between 9 to 16 who have laboratory-confirmed previous dengue infection and live in endemic areas.
