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…
Malaysia Urged to Consider Approval of New Dengue Vaccine
The Health Ministry of Malaysia is urged to consider approving a newly released dengue vaccine to combat the increasing number of cases in the country, according to Datuk Dr Lam Sai Kit, a virologist and Universiti Malaya emeritus professor. Dr….
The Global Health Impact of Major Disease Outbreaks in 2023
As the year 2023 came to a close, it was marked by the resurgence of numerous diseases, leaving an indelible imprint on global public health. The ten major outbreaks that unsettled the world included the persistent COVID-19, the emergence of…
Health Experts Concerned Over Resurgence of 1700s Vomiting Virus
Health experts are expressing concern over the resurgence of a 1700s vomiting virus with a ‘bloody poo’ symptom. The World Health Organisation has issued an urgent warning following a significant increase in cases of dengue fever, a rare disease first…
Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka ruled out of ODI series against Zimbabwe
Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Zimbabwe due to a suspected case of dengue. The opener’s absence may also extend to the three-match T20I series that follows if the diagnosis confirms dengue….