Seen in 119 countries, spreading: Millions are in danger!
Millions of people are infected with mosquito-borne viruses every year. While health experts warn that the danger is looming, the World Health Organization (WHO) has taken action against this threat for the first time in its history.
Increased travel, climate change, and urbanization are contributing to the global spread of mosquito-borne diseases. In response, the World Health Organization has published the first comprehensive treatment guidelines for dangerous viral infections like dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever.
5.6 BILLION INDANS AT RISKAccording to the 125-page guide published by the WHO, more than half of the world's population—about 5.6 billion people—are vulnerable to mosquito-borne diseases, particularly the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) and the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti), which are the primary carriers of these diseases.
These mosquito species, once seen only in tropical and subtropical regions, are now spreading across much wider geographies, especially in Europe.
FROM ZIKA TO CHİKUNGUNYA: SILENT SPREADAccording to the data, chikungunya virus has been detected in 119 countries so far, while Zika infections have been reported in 92 countries.
WHO describes the yellow fever outbreaks in Africa, particularly in 2023, as "worrying." It also points out that these diseases are being carried by travelers returning from tropical regions in European countries like Germany.
Recent dengue warnings around Lake Garda in Italy have created anxiety among holidaymakers in Europe.
SYMPTOMS ARE UNSPECIFIC, DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSISWHO notes that infections caused by these viruses often begin with similar and nonspecific symptoms.
Flu-like symptoms such as fever, rash, muscle and joint pain make it difficult to distinguish between diseases.
For example:
Dengue fever: It is noted for low platelet count and leukopenia.
Zika: It is characterized by itchy rashes and eye redness (conjunctivitis).
Chikungunya: Can cause severe and sometimes paralyzing joint pain.
However, definitive diagnosis is only possible with laboratory tests. Unfortunately, availability of these tests is still very limited in many areas.
WHAT DOES THE WHO GUIDELINE OFFER?The new guidelines provide scientific protocols for treating both mild and severe infections. These protocols can be implemented in all healthcare settings, from primary care to emergency rooms. With this step, WHO aims to enable healthcare professionals to make more accurate diagnoses and treat patients based on up-to-date information.
The WHO also emphasizes preventative measures. Protection from mosquito bites, community-based spraying efforts, and mosquito control programs play a key role in preventing outbreaks. The picture is mixed regarding vaccination:
An effective vaccine is available for yellow fever.
There are a limited number of vaccines used for chikungunya.
There is no approved vaccine yet for the Zika virus.
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