“Global Surge in Dengue Cases Linked to El Niño Impact”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a ten-fold surge in dengue cases from 2000 to 2019, with reported cases escalating from 500,000 to 5.2 million. The actual figures are likely higher due to the asymptomatic nature of the infection and its non-notifiable status in many countries.
Following a global increase in cases after the pandemic lull of 2020-2022, 2023 saw over five million reported cases and 5,000 dengue-related deaths in 80 countries. The Americas bore the brunt, reporting 4.1 million cases, including 6,710 severe cases and 2,049 deaths. Brazil led in case numbers, trailed by Peru and Mexico.
Dengue
Southeast Asia, where 10 out of 11 member states are endemic for the dengue virus, witnessed a surge in cases in 2023, notably in Bangladesh and Thailand. Africa reported 171,991 cases, with Burkina Faso being the worst affected. The Eastern Mediterranean, with dengue cases since 1998, saw the highest numbers in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.
While the European Region was historically unaffected, 2023 witnessed cases in Italy, France, and Spain. The Western Pacific reported over 500,000 cases and 750 deaths, with the Philippines, Vietnam, and Fiji being severely affected.
The upswing in 2023 is attributed to changing vector distribution, temperature variations, altered rainfall patterns from the El Nino climate phenomenon, weakened health systems post-pandemic, political instability, and population movements. The WHO emphasizes the urgent need for advocacy and resource mobilization, establishing a Global Joint Incident Management Support Team to aid outbreak responses.
Dengue transmission occurs cyclically, with large outbreaks every 3-4 years. The virus comprises four serotypes, and though there’s no specific treatment, timely diagnosis and proper clinical management can prevent severe cases and mortality.
