The Origins of Dengue: A Comprehensive Exploration

Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus that is an evolving global health threat. It is estimated that more than 400 million people are at risk of contracting dengue fever.1 In this article, we aim to explore how dengue came to be a global problem and wat we can do to stop it.

Historical Background

Dengue's history dates back to ancient times, with the first recorded mention of a similar disease in Chinese medical records dating between 265-420 AD.²The term 'dengue' itself originates from Swahili ('ki denga pepo').² However, the precise origins of the modern dengue virus remain uncertain.² 

Where Is Dengue Found?

Today, dengue is a global concern, with a significant presence in tropical and subtropical regions.3 The Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, serve as vectors for the virus.³ The geographical distribution of dengue is intricately linked to the habitat preferences of these mosquitoes. Warmer and wetter climates tend to encourage the growth of mosquito populations.³ 

While Asia represents 70% of the global disease burden, dengue is now spreading to new places including Europe, South America and the Eastern Mediterranean.¹⁴

What’s Causing Dengue to Spread?

• Urbanisation

Rapid urbanisation has been a driving force behind the increased prevalence of dengue.⁵ The expansion of cities provides an ideal environment for Aedes mosquitoes to thrive, with ample breeding sites such as stagnant water in containers, discarded tires, and other urban debris. As urban populations grow, so does the risk of dengue transmission in densely populated areas.⁵

• Globalisation

The interconnectedness of our modern world through international travel and trade has significantly contributed to the global spread of dengue. Infected individuals and Aedes mosquitoes can easily cross borders, introducing the virus to new regions and facilitating the establishment of local transmission cycles.⁶

• Lack of Vector Control

Inadequate vector control measures remain a significant challenge in many regions affected by dengue.^₇Successful control efforts require a combination of community engagement, targeted insecticide application, and innovative approaches such as the use of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes to suppress Aedes populations^.8

• Population Immunity

Dengue's complex transmission dynamics are further influenced by the immune status of the population.⁹ Previous exposure to one serotype may provide temporary immunity, but subsequent infections with different serotypes can lead to severe forms of the disease, such as dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.⁹

Prevention and Control Strategies

• Community Engagement: Empowering Local Populations in Dengue Prevention

Community engagement plays a pivotal role in the prevention of dengue outbreaks.¹⁰ Empowering local populations through educational campaigns, workshops, and community-driven initiatives fosters a sense of ownership in dengue prevention.¹⁰ 

Community members can reduce the spread of dengue through eliminating mosquito breeding sites and practicing preventive measures such as applying repellents to avoid being bitten.⁷

• Innovative Approaches: Wolbachia and Other Vector Control Strategies

In the search for better mosquito control, new ideas are coming up. One exciting method is using mosquitoes infected with a bacterium called Wolbachia.¹¹ When these mosquitoes carry Wolbachia, they can't spread dengue as easily. This discovery could be a big step forward in controlling mosquitoes.¹¹

Scientists are also looking into other clever ways to fight mosquitoes, like using genetically modified mosquitoes and new types of insecticides.¹² These strategies add to the toolbox we have for reducing the number of Aedes mosquitoes and stopping dengue from spreading.

• Vaccination Efforts: The Quest for an Effective Dengue Vaccine

An integrated approach to dengue prevention may involve vaccination in some parts of the world. ¹³¹⁴

Although Malaysia has a vaccine available, it is important to consult your doctor to see if you are a suitable candidate.

Even after vaccination, vector control and taking precautionary measures against vaccination is still recommended.

• Early Warning Systems: Navigating Dengue Outbreaks with Data and Technology

The integration of data and technology into dengue prevention is instrumental in establishing early warning systems. Monitoring climate patterns, mosquito populations, and reported Dengue cases enables the timely prediction of outbreaks.¹⁵¹⁶ Advanced data analytics and modelling facilitate a proactive response, allowing public health authorities to allocate resources efficiently, implement targeted interventions, and disseminate crucial information to at-risk communities.¹⁵ 

Early warning systems, driven by technology, provide a strategic advantage in the ongoing battle against Dengue. Check out DoctorOnCall's dengue risk tracker here: https://www.doctoroncall.com.my/health-centre/dengue-map

Forging a Resilient Path Forward Against Dengue!

In conclusion, globalization and modern living have encouraged the spread of dengue making it one of the fastest growing global health threat. While the spread of dengue involves many factors, controlling the spread of dengue may be reduced to simple solutions such as controlling the population of mosquitos and taking personal precautionary measures against dengue.

In this fight against dengue, perhaps the best solution might be an integrated one. Everyone has a part to play in safeguarding our personal and public health from dengue. Understanding current transmission dynamics, and implementing effective prevention and control strategies, we can hope to mitigate the impact of dengue and safeguard public health worldwide.

References

1. “Dengue and severe dengue.” World Health Organization (WHO), 23 April 2024, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue. Accessed 7 May 2024.
2. “Etymologia: dengue - PMC.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3373045/. Accessed 24 April 2024.
3. “Factsheet about dengue.” European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 7 August 2023, https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/dengue-fever/facts. Accessed 17 January 2024.
4. Karim, Muhammad Mahdi. “Dengue: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology.” Medscape Reference, https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/215840-overview. Accessed 17 January 2024.
5. Gubler, Duane J. “Dengue, Urbanization and Globalization: The Unholy Trinity of the 21st Century.” NCBI, 25 August 2011, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3317603/. Accessed 17 January 2024.
6. Wilder, Annelies. “Dengue infections in travellers - PMC.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC 3381444/. Accessed 17 January 2024.
7. “Dengue and severe dengue.” World Health Organization (WHO), https://www.who.int/health-topics/dengue-and-severe-dengue#tab=tab_1. Accessed 17 January 2024.
8. “Wolbachia: The selfish Trojan Horse in dengue control.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5099431/. Accessed 17 January 2024.
9. Pilankatta, Rajendra. “Occurrence of concurrent infections with multiple serotypes of dengue viruses during 2013–2015 in northern Kerala, India.” NCBI, 14 March 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5354076/. Accessed 17 January 2024.
10. “Community Participation, Dengue Fever Prevention and Control Practices in Swat, Pakistan.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5187638/. Accessed 17 January 2024.
11. “Mosquitoes with Wolbachia for reducing numbers of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes | Mosquitoes.” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-control/community/emerging-methods/wolbachia.html. Accessed 17 January 2024.
12. “Genetically Modified Aedes aegypti to Control Dengue: A Review.” PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29283327/. Accessed 17 January 2024.
    
    
13. “Brazil’s record dengue surge: why a vaccine campaign is unlikely to stop it.” Nature, 6 January 2023, https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00626-3. Accessed 7 May 2024.
14. “Dengue Vaccination.” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/dengue/index.html. Accessed 17 January 2024.
15. “Influence of climate variables on dengue fever occurrence in the southern region of Thailand.” NCBI, 20 April 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10022128/. Accessed 17 January 2024.
16. “A Deep Learning Approach for Dengue Fever Prediction in Malaysia Using LSTM with Spatial Attention.” NCBI, 25 February 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10002017/. Accessed 17 January 2024.

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Disclaimer: This information is available to the public for information purposes only; it should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not intended to substitute consultation with a healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice.

These images depict hypothetical patients and/or healthcare professionals.

C-ANPROM/MY/DENV/0300 May 2024