Dengue has become one of the fastest growing mosquito-borne disease in the world. Although 1 million confirmed cases are reported to the World Health Organization every year, some estimates put the number at over 50 million annually, with about 20 thousand deaths every year.
… Dengue virus is rapidly expanding its range of distribution and has now become the fastest growing mosquito-borne disease and by far surpasses malaria …
- Dr Raman Velayudhan, Scientist, Vector Ecology and Management, Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Geneva, Switzerland.
With the majority of countries struggling to control outbreaks, it is time for more resources to be allocated for sustained dengue prevention and control.
Environmental management and vector control using insecticides are the main approaches for dengue prevention. Applications are used for source reduction, larviciding, and space spraying.
Play now audio summary–Dengue in the world
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To contain dengue epidemics, WHO recommends selective vector control, active disease and vector surveillance and management of severe cases in accordance with WHO guidelines.
Sustained prevention of dengue requires widespread vector control, environmental management and possibly the development of a vaccine.