While the world gears up for the greatest show on earth where the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Franck Ribery and Neymar will look to lead their country to success, scientists are worried about a dengue outbreak in the country. 'Scientists have developed 'an early warning system' to alert authorities to the risk of dengue fever outbreaks in the Brazil during the World Cup, reports the BBC. The analysis, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, estimates the chances of an outbreak of the mosquito-borne infection disease.
The report says that there are three high risk venues Natal, Fortaleza and Reclife. The problem is compounded by the fact that about a million fans are expected to travel to 12 different cities and since 2000 Brazil has reported around seven million cases, the most in the world since 2000. There's quite a possibility that supporters might return to their home nation with dengue
Dr Rachel Lowe from the Catalan Institute of Climate Sciences in Barcelona, Spain, who led the research, said: 'Recent concerns about dengue fever in Brazil during the World Cup have made dramatic headlines, but these estimates have been based solely on averages of past dengue cases.
'The possibility of a large dengue fever outbreak during the World Cup, capable of infecting visitors and spreading dengue back to their country of origin, depends on a combination of many factors, including large numbers of mosquitoes, a susceptible population, and a high rate of mosquito-human contact.' The researchers hope that being able to plan in advance will help local authories implement measures to reduce or contain epidemics.
Writing in the same journal, David Harley and Elvina Viennet from the Australian National University in Canberra said: 'Travellers, particularly those attending matches in high-risk cities, might return home with dengue. Those who return home unwell will seek treatment. Doctors must be aware of causes for febrile illness in World Cup spectators.'
What is dengue?
Dengue refers to a tropical disease caused by four different types of virus. It is usually transmitted by mosquitoes and the common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains and skin rash. There is no vaccine for dengue and the only way to reduce infections is to improve hygiene levels so as to prevent mosquito-bites and prevent mosquitoes from breeding. It's particularly difficult to create a vaccine because it's caused by different viruses and there are no animal models available for testing. The disease kills over five thousand Indians every year and is a seasonal threat, particularly during the monsoon seasons. (Read: Dengue fever: Symptoms, medication and prevention)
What is dengue?
It is a tropical disease, usually transmitted by mosquitoes and the common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains and skin rash. There is no vaccine for dengue and the only way to reduce infections is to improve hygiene levels so as to prevent mosquito-bites and prevent mosquitoes from breeding. It's particularly difficult to create a vaccine because it's caused by different viruses and there are no animal models available for testing. The disease kills over five thousand Indians every year and is a seasonal threat, particularly during the monsoon seasons.
What are the symptoms of dengue?
Characterized by severe flu-like symptoms, dengue affects infants, children and adults alike and could be fatal. The clinical manifestations of dengue vary with the age of the patient. A person suffering from high fever in the range of 40 C/ 104 F, accompanied by any two of the following symptoms could be suffering from dengue:
Symptoms usually last for 2-7 days. Dengue could progress to severe dengue, a potentially fatal complication, causing leaking of plasma, fluid accumulation, respiratory distress, severe bleeding and organ impairment.
The warning signs to look out for occur 3-7 days after the first symptoms along with a decrease in temperature are:
The next 24-48 hours of the critical stage can be lethal; proper medical care is needed to avoid complications and risk of death.
Prevention
Dengue is a communicable diseases spread by mosquitoes from one human to another. So, the only way it can really be prevented is by avoiding mosquito bites. One can make sure all egg-laying habitats of mosquitoes like open and stagnant water source are cleaned up. If there are any open water sources you cannot eliminate, cover them and apply appropriate insecticides. Use protection such as window screens, long-sleeved clothes, and insecticide treated materials, coils and vaporizers.
Also read:
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