Peru Declares Health Emergency Due to Surge in Dengue Fever Cases
Peru declares health emergency in response to surge in dengue fever cases, with at least 32 deaths reported. El Nino weather pattern creates favorable conditions for mosquitoes to breed and transmit the viral infection, leading to 31,300 recorded cases in the first eight weeks of the year. Health Minister emphasizes severity of situation and declares emergency in 20 of Peru’s 25 regions.
Dengue fever may be causing spontaneous erections, scientists say
Scientists in West Africa report that Dengue fever may be causing spontaneous erections that can last for hours, in addition to the virus’s other symptoms. A 17-year-old patient exhibited this embarrassing side effect, leading to the theory that the virus can infect blood vessels in the penis, causing plasma to leak and priapism to occur.
Brazil Faces Surge in Dengue Fever Cases and Vaccine Shortage
Brazil is facing a significant surge in dengue fever cases, prompting a state of emergency and concerns about the country’s ability to combat the disease. The approval of the Qdenga vaccine offers hope, but limited availability has hindered widespread immunization. With a shortage of doses and a record number of deaths, the country is grappling with the impact of the climate crisis on disease proliferation.
Dengue Fever Outbreak in Brazil Raises Concerns for Americas
Brazil is facing a significant outbreak of dengue fever, with health experts warning of a potential health crisis across the Americas. The Health Ministry of Brazil has issued a warning, anticipating over 4.2 million cases of dengue fever this year, surpassing the 4.1 million cases reported for all 42 countries in the region by the Pan-American Health Organization last year. Experts attribute the current amplified problem to various factors, including El Niño and climate change, leading to an increase in mosquito breeding sites. The virus is expected to progress through the continents, posing a threat to other countries.
Conditional Approval Granted to Takeda’s Qdenga Dengue Vaccine
The Drug Control Authority has granted conditional approval to Takeda’s Qdenga dengue vaccine, recommended by the World Health Organization to combat the alarming spike in dengue cases. With a reported 86.3% increase in cases and 100 deaths in 2023, the approval of the vaccine is a crucial development in addressing the public health menace of dengue fever.
Dengue Fever Surges in Thailand with Over 8,000 Cases in January 2024
Dengue fever is on the rise in Thailand, with over 8,000 reported cases in January 2024. The Disease Control Department (DCD) has issued a warning, urging the public to take precautions against mosquito bites to prevent the spread of the disease. Dr. Thongchai Keeratihuttayakorn revealed that the number of dengue cases surged by 91.25% compared to the same period in 2023, with 13 deaths reported. The majority of affected individuals were children between the ages of five and 14, with the southern and central provinces of Thailand reporting the highest number of cases.
Dengue Outbreak Impacting Costa Rica and the Americas
Costa Rica continues to battle an outbreak of dengue fever, with over 1,000 cases reported so far in 2024. The Pan American Health Organization has issued various dengue Risk Assessments, highlighting the endemic nature of the virus in most countries of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The CDC has also reported dengue outbreaks in U.S. territories. However, there is hope on the horizon with two vaccines currently in use in the Americas and several vaccine candidates in development.
New Gene-Editing Tools Show Promise in Controlling Disease-Carrying Mosquitoes
In the ongoing battle against mosquito-borne diseases, scientists have developed new gene-editing tools that show promise in controlling and potentially eradicating disease-carrying mosquitoes. Mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria, dengue, West Nile, and yellow fever cause over 700,000 deaths annually, posing…
Study Reveals Shifting Patterns of Dengue Virus in Brazil Following Zika Emergence
A new study published in Nature Communications has shed light on the shifting patterns of dengue virus (DENV) in Brazil, following the emergence of the Zika virus (ZIKV) in 2015. The study, conducted by Francesco Pinotti, Marta Giovanetti, and their…
Island Pharmaceuticals Achieves Milestone in Combatting Dengue Fever
Island Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker ILA, has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to combat dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases. The company has successfully dosed the third cohort of…