TAG: GS:3- SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: The number of dengue cases has risen in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. The number of cases of dengue is currently experiencing a concerning increase.
EXPLANATION:
About the Dengue?
- Dengue is a self-limiting febrile illness with symptoms ranging from asymptomatic to severe.
- Dengue is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus (Genus Flavivirus), transmitted by several species of female mosquito within the genus Aedes, principally Aedes aegypti.
- This mosquito also transmits chikungunya and Zika infection.
Reason for Resigning in Dengue Cases:
- Urbanisation: Increased Population Density, Expansion of Cities & Human Movement
- Climate Change: Warmer temperatures and altered rainfall patterns.
o allows Aedes mosquitoes to expand their range.
- Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather.
Global Burden of Dengue:
o Dengue cases have surged globally, with over 6.5 million cases reported in 2023, surpassing the previous record of 5.2 million in 2019.
o In 2024 (till August) it reached an all-time high with 12.06 million reported cases and 6990 deaths.
o Many cases remain unreported or misdiagnosed, highlighting the true extent of the dengue burden.
The world’s population is now at risk of dengue with an estimated 100–400 million infections occurring each year.
- Till Now there is no Dengue vaccine available in India.
Symptoms:
- Sudden high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, severe bone, joint, and muscle pain, etc.
Transmitted: Several species of female mosquito within the genus Aedes principally Aedes aegypti.
- This mosquito also transmits chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika infection.
4 distinct serotypes (separate groups within a species of microorganisms that all share a similar characteristic) of the virus that cause dengue: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4.
Vaccines for Dengue:
- Dengvaxia:It is a Live recombinant tetravalent vaccine recommended for ages 9–45 or 9–60 years, depending on the country.
- Safe for those with prior dengue infection and has shown around 80% efficacy.
- Qgenda:It is a Live-attenuated vaccine recommended for ages 6–16 in high transmission areas.
- Two-dose series to be administered three months apart.
SOURCE:
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