September 25, 2024
The Vital Role of Prevention and Early Detection as Dengue Cases Rise
With cases increasing at an alarming rate over the past two decades, the dengue virus (DENV) has remained a significant threat to global public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that dengue cases skyrocketed from 500,000 to 5.2 million from 2000-2019, and recent reports indicate that cases are on the rise again. As of early 2024, dengue has been classified as a Grade 3 emergency by the WHO, demanding the highest-level response.
Although many dengue cases are mild, severe dengue is considered a medical emergency that necessitates intervention as soon as possible. As dengue cases continue to increase, an integrated approach that includes vector control, prevention, and early and accurate diagnosis is critical for mitigation.