The World Health Organization has issued a warning about the significant increase in dengue infections globally in 2023, posing a potential high public health threat.
The UN health agency on Friday, reported a staggering five million dengue infections and 5,000 deaths from the disease worldwide.
Addressing the media at the UN headquarters in Geneva, Dr. Diana Rojas Alvarez, WHO Team Lead on Arboviruses, emphasized the gravity of the threat, highlighting the need for maximum attention. She stressed that a comprehensive response from all levels of the UN health agency was imperative to assist countries in containing current dengue outbreaks and preparing for the upcoming dengue season.
Dengue, the most common viral infection transmitted to humans through mosquito bites, is prevalent in urban areas within tropical and sub-tropical climates. The surge in reported dengue cases across more countries is attributed to the expanding habitat of infected mosquitoes, a consequence of global warming associated with rising emissions.
Dr. Alvarez explained, “Climate change has an impact on dengue transmission because it increases rainfall, humidity, and temperature. These mosquitoes are very sensitive to temperature.”
