Surge in Dengue Infections Raises Concerns in Argentina
A surge in dengue infections in Argentina has caused a significant increase in the number of cases, raising concerns among citizens. The shortage of mosquito repellents has led to discontent and frustration, with citizens questioning the availability of repellents and criticizing the government for the lack of action. Authorities attribute the cause of the dengue epidemic to the explosive increase in the number of aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the carriers of dengue infection, believed to be a result of torrential rains and high temperatures caused by El Niño.
Protecting Yourself from Mosquitos
Learn how to protect your garden from mosquitoes and prevent mosquito-borne diseases. Tips include eliminating standing water, using BTI, gardening with certain flowers, using insect repellants, and using fans to keep mosquitoes away.
Rise in Dengue Fever Cases in Arab Nations
Global cases of dengue fever are on the rise in Arab nations, with the Middle East and North Africa region witnessing an 88% increase in cases from 1990 to 2019. Healthcare professionals in Dubai are noting a surge in local cases, with experts attributing the unusual emergence of the Aedes aegypti mosquito to changing weather patterns or climate change.
UKHSA Warns Travelers to Prioritize Health Amid Rising Mosquito-Borne Infections
UKHSA warns travelers about rising mosquito-borne infections and urges prioritizing health when traveling abroad. Dengue and Malaria cases have spiked, with majority of cases from South and Southeast Asia. Precautions such as using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and taking antimalarial medication are recommended to reduce the risk of contracting these diseases.
Dengue Fever Spreading Across South America
Dengue fever is spreading rapidly in South America, with Brazil alone recording over 1.5 million cases and 390 deaths this year. The disease is overwhelming hospitals and prompting fumigation efforts in major cities. Epidemiologists attribute the rise in cases to global temperature increases, warning that the crisis could spread to the US and Europe as well.
Brazil Faces Biggest-Ever Dengue Outbreak
Brazil is facing its biggest-ever outbreak of dengue fever, with nearly 600,000 cases reported in the first few weeks of 2024 alone. The surge in cases is attributed to the combined impact of global warming and El Niño, creating favorable conditions for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which spreads the dengue virus. Scientists had previously predicted that climate change would lead to a significant increase in dengue cases worldwide, and this is now becoming a reality. Latin America is witnessing an unprecedented level of dengue cases, with Brazil being particularly hard hit.
New Malaria Vaccine Shows High Efficacy in African Trials
Oxford University and Serum Institute of India’s new malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M™, has shown high efficacy in trials in Africa, with over three-fourths of children in the 5–36 months age group protected from the disease during the first year of follow-up. The vaccine, administered in three doses with a booster after 12 months, maintained good efficacy over the following six to 12 months. This marks the second malaria vaccine to achieve WHO pre-qualification, offering hope in the fight against malaria.
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.
UMass Amherst Researcher Leading Project to Determine Mosquito Age for Improved Pesticide Strategies and Disease Control
UMass Amherst researcher, Lili He, leads a project to determine the age of mosquitoes to improve pesticide strategies and combat mosquito-borne diseases. The $1.71 million NIH-funded project aims to develop a novel approach to age-grade mosquitoes, addressing the current lack of accurate and cost-effective methods. The multidisciplinary team includes experts in analytical development, mosquito biology, biochemistry, field studies, and machine learning modeling, with the ultimate goal of developing a reliable method for age-grading mosquitoes to assess disease risk and facilitate more effective mosquito-control strategies.
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.