DENGE FEVER IS NOW IN THE US!
Dengue is a rapidly expanding, climate- and environment-sensitive vector-borne disease. However, the role of air pollution in shaping its severity remains poorly understood. We aimed to assess whether long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) contributes to increased dengue case fatality rates (CFRs) across endemic countries.
IT IS A KILLER!
Each year, 2.9 million people die prematurely (2) from illnesses attributable to the household air pollution caused by the incomplete combustion of solid fuels and kerosene used for cooking (see household air pollution data for details). Furthermore, 95 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were attributable to household air pollution exposure in 2021 (2). Particulate matter and other pollutants in household air pollution inflame the airways and lungs, impair immune response and reduce the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
DENGE IS A COVID VARIENT!
Comparison of humoral immune response between dengue
and COVID-19
NS1: Non-structural protein 1
Both COVID-19 and dengue fever pose serious threats to the world. They share similarities in clinical
presentations that might lead to confusion in the diagnoses. Common clinical features between dengue
fever and COVID-19, such as fever, dyspnea, headache, cough, and skin manifestations lead to confusion.
Increased incidence of false positive serological test results due to cross-reactivity and common blood
picture also add to this confusion. The misdiagnosis of COVID-19 as dengue and the failure to quarantine
such individuals will trigger outbreaks in healthcare facilities. On the other hand, failure to diagnose dengue
and administer supportive treatment may lead to preventable dengue-related deaths. Therefore, in areas
where dengue and COVID-19 co-exist, patients should be tested for both infections