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Several Asian countries are experiencing an unusually high number of dengue cases for this time of year. As the rainy season approaches, the World Health Organization (WHO) calls for action to minimize dengue illnesses and deaths.
Dengue fever is one of the fastest spreading mosquito diseases. Globally, the incidence of dengue fever has increased 30-fold over the last 50 years. Dengue fever is a major public health concern because it can progress to a potentially life-threatening form called "severe dengue fever".
Of about 2.5 billion people at risk of dengue in the world, about 70% live in the countries of the Asia-Pacific. Climatic conditions, unclean environments, unplanned urban agglomerations and rapid urbanization can lead to an increase in mosquitoes, especially in urban and semi-urban areas.
Increase in cases and deaths
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Several countries in the WHO Western Pacific Region, such as Cambodia, Viet Nam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Viet Nam, have reported a rapid increase in the number of dengue cases reported to date. Now this year.
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In Cambodiathere has been an upward trend in suspected cases of dengue fever since the beginning of 2019. More than 1,300 suspected cases were reported in week 21 only, which is above expectations for this period of time. ;year.
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in the Lao People's Democratic Republic, the number of suspected dengue cases is higher than that of the same period in the previous five years. Until 2019, at the 21st week, a total of 4216 suspected cases, including 14 deaths, were reported.
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In MalaysiaA total of 52,941 cases, including 81 deaths, were reported in the first 22 weeks of 2019. The number of cases is about twice that of the same period in 2018.
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in the philippinesA total of 77,040 suspected dengue cases, including 328 deaths, were reported during the first 20 weeks of 2019. This is double the number of 41,104 cases reported during the same period of time. last year. The number of cases remains high, but as they begin to decline, the rainy season is approaching.
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In Singapore, the number of dengue cases has increased in the last 8 weeks. By the 21st week of 2019, 3,886 cases had been reported, compared with 1,049 at the same time last year.
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In Viet Nam59,959 suspected cases were reported, including four deaths at week 19; more than three times the number for the same period in 2018.
To minimize deaths, affected individuals and caregivers should immediately consult with a health professional who has the training and resources to provide appropriate care.
"The increase in the number of cases is worrisome, but the increase in the death rate from dengue fever, especially among children, is even more worrying," said Dr Takeshi Kasai, WHO Regional Director for HIV / AIDS. Western Pacific. "It's a sign that we need to work with countries to strengthen care and prevention."
"Health workers in dengue-endemic areas should be able to recognize the symptoms of dengue fever and the warning signs of severe dengue fever, perform diagnostic tests and provide life-saving care. In addition, families need to know what symptoms to look for and where to get early medical care. This is particularly urgent with the rainy season coming in many parts of Asia, "he added.
Act early to save lives
There is no specific treatment for dengue, but early detection, improved clinical management, and access to appropriate medical care for severe dengue fever can reduce mortality rates. The WHO recommends that dengue-endemic countries continue to educate the population and health workers on recognizing the symptoms of dengue fever and the warning signs of severe dengue fever. Proper home care, with proper hydration and early-stage rest, can minimize the risk of worsening the disease.
WHO is helping countries to train health professionals in the diagnosis and proper management of dengue fever and to prepare health centers and hospitals for an effective response in the event of an outbreak or outbreak. influx of patients.
WHO is also encouraging governments and communities to reduce the spread of dengue fever by informing the public about ways to clean up mosquito breeding sites.
"Through these measures, we can reduce the impact of dengue fever on people in our region and save lives," said Dr. Kasai.
In 2016, governments in the Western Pacific Region adopted an action plan for dengue prevention and control, which provides strategic direction for moving from controlling outbreaks to reducing its impact on people living with dengue fever. communities and health systems. Dengue outbreaks can not be avoided, but countries can take steps to dramatically reduce the magnitude, frequency and impact of epidemics. WHO continues to support countries and areas in their efforts to reduce the burden of this disease on populations.
Notes to editors
Countries and areas of the WHO Western Pacific Region: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, France (responsible for French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna), Hong Kong SAR (China), Japan, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Macao SAR (China), Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Mongolia, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (who is responsible for the Pitcairn Islands), United States of America (responsible for American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam), Vanuatu and Viet Nam.
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