Latest news with #DENV
News18
3 days ago
- Health
- News18
Is It True That Dengue Mosquitoes Only Bite In The Morning?
Last Updated: In the fight against dengue, accurate information is as important as medical care because prevention begins with knowledge. Hospitals have seen a rapid surge in dengue cases in recent times. With this rising trend comes a common question: Do dengue mosquitoes really bite only in the morning? Dr Ajay Nair, Sr Consultant, Internal Medicine, Narayana Hospital, Jaipur shares all you need to know: Understanding Dengue and Its Carrier Dengue fever is caused by the bite of mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus (DENV) and is transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti and, to a lesser extent, Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These vectors are well-adapted to urban environments, thriving in stagnant water around homes, offices, and public spaces. Once infected, the mosquito can remain a carrier for its lifetime, transmitting the virus to humans every time it bites. Unlike malaria, which is spread by Anopheles mosquitoes active at night, Aedes mosquitoes cannot be linked to a single time frame, as their biting patterns vary. This often causes confusion about the timing of their bites. The Feeding Habits: Science Over Assumptions The peak activity of the Aedes aegypti mosquito has been recorded in the early morning and late afternoon, as documented in multiple entomological studies, including those published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme of India. The highest activity typically occurs for about two hours after sunrise and several hours before sunset. However, their bites do not occur only in the morning. While early daylight hours see the most concentrated activity, Aedes mosquitoes can bite throughout the day, particularly in shaded indoor areas with low light. Dengue cases typically rise during the monsoon, when breeding sites multiply and mosquito activity remains high almost throughout the day until evening. This flexibility increases the chances of virus transmission, especially in densely populated areas. Clearing the Misconception The belief that dengue mosquitoes bite only in the morning likely stems from early observations showing higher bite counts after sunrise. While this is statistically accurate as a trend, it is not the whole picture. People are still at risk during other active hours, particularly in the late afternoon and early evening. Prevention: Beyond the Clock Since the Aedes mosquito's activity is not limited to one specific time of day, dengue prevention must be a continuous effort. Medical recommendations from Narayana Health Hospital include: Controlling the surroundings Make it a habit to empty stagnant water from containers such as flower pots, buckets, utensils in the sink, discarded tyres, and open storage tanks. Frequently change water in plant trays and bird baths, and always cover stored water. Remember, Aedes mosquitoes breed in clean water too. Installing physical barriers Use mesh screens for doors and windows, wear long-sleeved clothing, and keep doors closed during peak mosquito activity. Using repellents Apply mosquito repellent creams or sprays on exposed skin every few hours during daylight, not just in the morning. Alternatively, use mosquito nets. Community action Participate in neighbourhood clean-up drives to remove puddles and water collected in discarded items. Fumigation can also help reduce mosquito populations. Prevention during travel When visiting dengue-hit areas or places experiencing heavy rains, ensure you are protected from bites regardless of the time of day. Why Awareness Matters Millions worldwide suffer from the effects of dengue fever, with India bearing a significant share of the global burden. Misunderstanding mosquito behaviour can lead to carelessness, inadvertently increasing infection rates. The idea that dengue mosquitoes bite exclusively in the morning oversimplifies their complex behaviour. While Aedes aegypti activity may peak just after sunrise and before sunset, bites can occur at other times too. Public health protection relies not on a specific 'danger hour," but on vigilance from dawn to dusk. By consistently following preventive measures, individuals and communities can significantly reduce transmission. In the fight against dengue, accurate information is as important as medical care because prevention begins with knowledge. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Landmark study offers new insights into what protects against dengue
The specific components of the immune response in a human body that protect against a dengue virus (DENV) infection and the subsequent illness remain unclear. Scientists are still trying to understand how natural infection and vaccination protect people so that they can develop better vaccines. Now, a novel study has revealed important insights into developing strong immunity against DENV, which is otherwise quite complex. Researchers from the US and Philippines have identified specific antibodies, known as envelope dimer epitope (EDE)-like antibodies, as the key for building broad, cross-serotype immunity following natural infection or vaccination. The findings, published recently in Science Translational Medicine, represent a significant step forward in understanding dengue immunity and could lead to more effective therapeutics. Disease burden and dengue vaccines Dengue is a major global health challenge caused by any of four DENV serotypes (DENV1 to DENV4). It is the most common vector-borne viral disease, with half of the world's population at risk, especially in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas. According to one large study in 2013, the economic burden of dengue in Southeast Asia is higher than that of 17 other conditions, including Japanese encephalitis, upper respiratory infections, and hepatitis B. And yet developing a universally effective vaccine has proven difficult thanks to the complex immune mechanisms involved. In DENV cases, the initial immunity after first infection (a.k.a. primary immunity) paradoxically increases the risk of severe disease rather than conferring protection when a person is infected a second time with a different serotype of the virus. This phenomenon, called antibody-dependent enhancement, occurs when non-neutralising antibodies bind to partially immature virus particles, facilitating their entry into immune cells and worsening the infection. All severe dengue cases requiring hospitalization result from such second infections. Since vaccines mimic natural infections, the risk of antibody-dependent enhancement after the first dose is the main challenge for dengue vaccines, which is why they are usually recommended only for individuals with prior exposure to the virus and avoided in dengue-naïve people. After exposure to at least two different DENV serotypes, a person develops true protection, known as 'secondary immunity', against future disease. Currently, two primary dengue vaccines are licensed (in some countries): Dengvaxia and QDENGA. These shots are most effective for individuals who have already been exposed to dengue at least once before vaccination. Laboratory confirmation of a previous dengue infection is required for vaccination with Dengvaxia. Outbreak in Cebu DENV is an enveloped virus, meaning it has a protective outer layer. A key component of this layer is the envelope (E) protein, which is the primary target for the body's immune response. The E protein is arranged in pairs on the virus surface, creating complex three-dimensional structures known as quaternary epitopes. EDE is a critical quaternary epitope and an important target for vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. In June 2017, Cebu province in the Philippines offered at least the first dose of a dengue vaccine to children aged 9-14 years. For the new study, the researchers recruited and followed a cohort of 2,996 such children. Of them, 1,782 received the first dose of the vaccine and the rest remained unvaccinated. The researchers collected baseline blood samples one month before the vaccination campaign and follow-up samples 17-28 months after the campaign. There had been an unusually large dengue outbreak in Cebu between the baseline and follow-up sample collection, with most cases caused by DENV2 (61.7%) followed by DENV3 (30%). The researchers measured different kinds of antibodies in the samples: EDE-like antibodies (targetting envelope dimer epitopes); neutralising antibodies (which can block infection by mature, fully formed viruses); and binding antibodies (those that attached to parts of the E protein without necessarily blocking infection). The study focused on the children who had had evidence of at least two prior DENV infections (those with 'secondary immunity') at the baseline. They followed up with the cohort up to October 31, 2022, to check how many with secondary immunity went on to develop dengue between the follow-up sample collection and the study closure date. All the samples were analysed in vaccinated and unvaccinated children in this subgroup in an attempt to reveal the true predictors of protection. More protective against disease The study's findings illuminated the role of EDE-like antibodies in the protective response. Specifically, the researchers found that EDE-like antibodies were highly prevalent in children with secondary DENV immunity, with 81.8% to 90.1% of participants having detectable levels. This was in stark contrast to individuals with only primary DENV immunity, where EDE-like antibodies were largely absent (detected in only 4% to 12% of cases). This suggests EDE-like antibodies are a hallmark of established immunity against dengue. The magnitude of EDE-like antibodies was also strongly and consistently correlated with broad neutralisation of all four mature DENV serotypes, indicating that these antibodies are crucial for widespread protection rather than just against a single serotype. The study observed that both natural DENV infection — due to the large outbreak during the study period — and vaccination significantly boosted EDE-like antibodies as well as general DENV-binding and neutralising antibodies. This effect was evident even in children who already possessed strong secondary immunity. Crucially, higher levels of EDE-like antibodies were consistently associated with lower odds of symptomatic dengue, dengue with warning signs, and dengue requiring hospitalisation. This protective effect was observed across multiple serotypes, demonstrating both serotype-specific and cross-reactive benefits. However, EDE-like antibodies had limited protective effects against viral replication. Thus, they were less protective against new infections but more protective against disease, especially severe disease. Perhaps the most significant finding was that EDE-like antibodies didn't just correlate with protection: they statistically explained a substantial portion of the protective effect seen with other mature virus-neutralising and E-binding antibodies. That is, when EDE-like antibodies were factored into statistical models, the protective effect of other antibodies was significantly diminished while EDE-like antibodies remained strongly associated with protection. Specifically, EDE-like antibodies explained 42% to 65% of the protective effect attributed to mature virus-neutralising antibodies and 41% to 75% of the effect of general E protein-binding antibodies. This observation strongly suggested that EDE-like antibodies are a primary, underlying determinant of broad, cross-reactive immunity against dengue. Limitations and the future Although the study had some limitations, such as a relatively small number of dengue cases for assessing protection against all four serotypes and a limited panel of monoclonal antibodies used for characterisation, it nonetheless marked a significant advance in the fight against dengue. The team provided a clearer understanding of the immune responses that truly protect against this debilitating disease. EDE-like antibodies also helped explain how neutralising and binding antibodies contributed to protection. Further research will be essential to formally validate EDE-like antibodies as reliable indicators of protection for vaccine efficacy trials. If this is validated, researchers will be able to design vaccines that specifically elicit high levels of EDE-like antibodies and thus better protect against dengue. Puneet Kumar is a clinician, Kumar Child Clinic, New Delhi. Vipin M. Vashishtha is director and paediatrician, Mangla Hospital and Research Center, Bijnor.
Borneo Post
21-06-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Role of households in dengue prevention
Tan Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV), has remained one of the most pressing public health threats, particularly in tropical urban centers like Kota Kinabalu areas in Sabah. Transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, dengue infections continue to escalate despite years of government-led interventions such as fogging, larviciding, and public health education. While these strategies have played a role in limiting outbreaks, a persistent and frequently overlooked factor continues to undermine control efforts: the household environment. The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) has formulated guidelines on the prevention and control of dengue for households to form a critical frontline in the war against dengue. Understanding and addressing the factors that allow mosquitoes to breed within and around homes is key to breaking the cycle of transmission. The Aedes aegypti mosquito has evolved to thrive in human-made environments. Unlike other species that favor natural wetlands or rural ponds, Ae. aegypti actively seeks out artificial containers with clean, stagnant water for breeding. Commonly found habitats include buckets, roof gutters, potted plants, dish trays, old tires, and even bottle caps. Its breeding and biting behaviors further increase its threat: Ae. aegypti bites during the daytime, especially early mornings and late afternoons, often inside homes or in shaded areas near dwellings. Their eggs can survive without water for months, hatching when water becomes available. The entire mosquito life cycle — from egg to larva to adult — can be completed in seven to 10 days under optimal conditions, making it highly efficient at establishing new colonies rapidly after rain or in homes with poor sanitation. Despite this biological advantage, Aedes mosquitoes are not invincible. The most effective weapon against them is not fogging or chemical treatment, but source reduction — the elimination of breeding grounds. In this context, the household becomes both a risk and a solution. Most mosquito breeding occurs within a 100-meter radius of human activity. Studies conducted in Malaysian cities have shown that more than 50% of breeding sites are located within domestic settings, where household water containers, improperly managed waste, and poor drainage systems create ideal conditions. This reality highlights the critical need for residential-level interventions. The IEM Guidelines recommend that each household adopt a systematic and technical approach to prevent mosquito breeding. One of the most effective and simple measures is the weekly 10-minute inspection. Residents are advised to dedicate ten minutes each week to checking both inside and outside their homes for stagnant water. This includes commonly overlooked spots such as flowerpot trays, bathroom floor traps, kitchen sinks, laundry buckets, pet water dishes, and items left outdoors that may collect rainwater. However, inspections must go beyond simply tipping water out. Ae. aegypti eggs adhere to container walls and remain viable for months. Therefore, all water-holding items should be scrubbed, dried, and, where possible, stored in a dry position or covered to prevent refilling by rain or household use. A crucial but often under-managed aspect of residential design is water storage and rainwater harvesting. Many households, especially in semi-urban or water-insecure areas, rely on large containers to store water for cleaning or garden use. If these containers are left uncovered or only partially sealed, they become perfect breeding grounds. The IEM guidelines advise that all water storage should be fully sealed or covered with mosquito-proof mesh with apertures not exceeding 1.2 mm. Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems should be designed with self-draining features, overflow outlets, and flush systems to prevent water stagnation in gutters, downpipes, and filtration components. Where sealing is not practical, safe biological larvicides such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) may be applied periodically. Roof gutter systems represent another hidden danger. Improperly installed or poorly maintained gutters trap organic matter such as leaves and silt, leading to blocked drains and water accumulation after rainfall. Slopes that are too shallow or absent of overflow mechanisms exacerbate this issue. According to the IEM, gutters should be cleaned at least monthly, and ideally be fitted with leaf guards, inspection ports, and anti-mosquito mesh over drain outlets. Any system collecting roof water should be designed with adequate fall gradient to ensure efficient flow and prevent pooling. The same attention must be paid to sanitation and household plumbing systems. Bathroom floor traps, unused toilets, and rarely used sinks can become stagnant if the water seal is not regularly replenished. Leaky pipes under kitchen cabinets or external taps can also result in puddles that serve as mosquito nurseries. It is advised that homeowners perform plumbing checks quarterly and fix leaking connections promptly. Floor traps and gully traps not in use should be sealed or treated with cooking oil, which forms a surface layer that suffocates larvae. Another often neglected contributor is poor waste management. Discarded items such as broken toys, cans, unused flowerpots, or even polystyrene containers left in gardens or porches can trap rainwater. In high-rise buildings, recycling materials such as plastic bottles or food containers stored in open-air spaces pose additional risk. The guidelines recommend that recyclables be punctured and dried before storage and always kept under cover. Homes should also undertake regular decluttering, particularly in outdoor areas and balconies. Community recycling centers and municipal contractors should support proper collection and disposal to reduce container waste exposure. While engineering solutions and technical recommendations form the backbone of prevention, behavioral change is what ensures their sustainability. Dengue prevention should become part of the household's weekly routine, alongside tasks such as sweeping or taking out the trash. Children should be taught to report stagnant water or mosquito sightings, while household helpers or tenants must be equally informed. Awareness campaigns rooted in WHO's COMBI (Communication for Behavioural Impact) model stress the importance of not just knowledge but habit formation. Posters, fridge magnets, and weekly SMS alerts have been successfully deployed in various localities to serve as reminders. When a suspected dengue case arises in a household, immediate containment is essential. The infected person should always sleep under a mosquito net, including daytime, to avoid being bitten by Aedes mosquitoes, which could then spread the virus. Simultaneously, the household should undergo a detailed inspection, not only of the patient's room but the entire compound. Neighbors must be alerted, and the local vector control unit — such as the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) should be notified to conduct fogging or larviciding in the vicinity. In this effort, stakeholder collaboration is indispensable. Homeowners, property managers, developers and municipal authorities must work together to address shared spaces and structural risks. Developers have a responsibility to incorporate mosquito-resistant design in new housing schemes. This includes proper landscaping to avoid water retention, the use of permeable pavements, well-graded drainage systems, and the installation of sealed water tanks and inspection-accessible gutters. For high-rise or gated communities, property managers must schedule quarterly inspections of rooftop water tanks, basements and sump pits. Maintenance logs should be maintained and subject to health inspections. Local authorities play a crucial role in enforcement and education. DBKK (Kota Kinabalu City Hall) and related councils must uphold existing health by-laws that prohibit the harboring of mosquito breeding sites. This can include issuing compound fines or warnings to households found in violation during routine checks. Equally important is the provision of public education materials in multiple languages to reach all segments of the population, including migrant workers and the elderly. Sabah's unique climatic and demographic conditions further intensify the need for household-level dengue resilience. The state's equatorial rainfall patterns and hot temperatures create year-round breeding conditions, while many residents live in low-density housing with access to outdoor space — increasing exposure to container habitats. During the monsoon season, when rain is frequent and intense, mosquito populations can surge rapidly, outpacing fogging efforts. Therefore, household preparation and maintenance must be intensified before, during, and after seasonal peaks. Historical data from Kota Kinabalu district show that dengue outbreaks have occurred in predictable cycles, often corresponding to periods of sustained rainfall and stagnation of preventive efforts. The National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) has noted that case clusters frequently originate from residential areas where multiple breeding sites are found within proximity. In one notable case in Kota Kinabalu district in 2022, over 60% of the breeding sites were traced to household premises, despite weekly fogging efforts in public spaces. This highlights the irreplaceable role of domestic source control. In conclusion, household-level dengue control is not merely an auxiliary component of vector management — it is the foundation upon which all other strategies rest. Engineering controls, environmental design, behavioral adaptation and policy enforcement must converge at the household level to sustainably reduce dengue transmission. The IEM Guidelines offer a scientifically grounded and practically implementable framework for empowering households to play a leading role in mosquito control. In a rapidly urbanizing city like Kota Kinabalu where human activity constantly reshapes the environment, household vigilance, maintenance discipline, and structural design must evolve in parallel. A mosquito-free home is not just a private benefit — it is public responsibility and a civic duty. As dengue continues to pose a threat to public health, the pathway to control lies not in complex technology, but in consistent, collective household action — one container, one drain, and one home at a time.
Daily Express
21-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Role of households in dengue prevention from a technical, practical perspective
Published on: Saturday, June 21, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 By: Ir Ts KJ TAN, FIEM, JP Text Size: DENGUE fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV), has remained one of the most pressing public health threats, particularly in tropical urban centers like Kota Kinabalu areas Sabah. Transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, dengue infections continue to escalate despite years of government-led interventions such as fogging, larviciding, and public health education. While these strategies have played a role in limiting outbreaks, a persistent and frequently overlooked factor continues to undermine control efforts: the household environment. The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) has formulated Guidelines on the Prevention and Control of Dengue in which households form a critical frontline in the war against dengue. Understanding and addressing the factors that allow mosquitoes to breed within and around homes is key to breaking the cycle of transmission. The Aedes aegypti mosquito has evolved to thrive in human-made environments. Unlike other species that favor natural wetlands or rural ponds, Ae. aegypti actively seeks out artificial containers with clean, stagnant water for breeding. Commonly found habitats include buckets, roof gutters, potted plants, dish trays, old tires, and even bottle caps. Advertisement Its breeding and biting behaviors further increase its threat: Ae. aegypti bites during the daytime, especially early mornings and late afternoons, often inside homes or in shaded areas near dwellings. Their eggs can survive without water for months, hatching when water becomes available. The entire mosquito life cycle – from egg to larva to adult – can be completed in seven to 10 days under optimal conditions, making it highly efficient at establishing new colonies rapidly after rain or in homes with poor sanitation. Despite this biological advantage, Aedes mosquitoes are not invincible. The most effective weapon against them is not fogging or chemical treatment, but source reduction – the elimination of breeding grounds. In this context, the household becomes both a risk and a solution. Most mosquito breeding occurs within a 100m radius of human activity. Studies conducted in Malaysian cities have shown that more than 50pc of breeding sites are located within domestic settings, where household water containers, improperly managed waste, and poor drainage systems create ideal conditions. This reality highlights the critical need for residential-level interventions. The IEM Guidelines recommend that each household adopt a systematic and technical approach to prevent mosquito breeding. One of the most effective and simple measures is the weekly 10-minute inspection. Residents are advised to dedicate ten minutes each week to checking both inside and outside their homes for stagnant water. This includes commonly overlooked spots such as flowerpot trays, bathroom floor traps, kitchen sinks, laundry buckets, pet water dishes, and items left outdoors that may collect rainwater. However, inspections must go beyond simply tipping water out. Ae. aegypti eggs adhere to container walls and remain viable for months. Therefore, all water-holding items should be scrubbed, dried, and, where possible, stored in a dry position or covered to prevent refilling by rain or household use. A crucial but often under-managed aspect of residential design is water storage and rainwater harvesting. Many households, especially in semi-urban or water-insecure areas, rely on large containers to store water for cleaning or garden use. If these containers are left uncovered or only partially sealed, they become perfect breeding grounds. The IEM guidelines advise that all water storage should be fully sealed or covered with mosquito-proof mesh with apertures not exceeding 1.2mm. Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems should be designed with self-draining features, overflow outlets, and flush systems to prevent water stagnation in gutters, downpipes, and filtration components. Where sealing is not practical, safe biological larvicides such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) may be applied periodically. Roof gutter systems represent another hidden danger. Improperly installed or poorly maintained gutters trap organic matter such as leaves and silt, leading to blocked drains and water accumulation after rainfall. Slopes that are too shallow or absent of overflow mechanisms exacerbate this issue. According to the IEM, gutters should be cleaned at least monthly, and ideally be fitted with leaf guards, inspection ports, and anti-mosquito mesh over drain outlets. Any system collecting roof water should be designed with adequate fall gradient to ensure efficient flow and prevent pooling. The same attention must be paid to sanitation and household plumbing systems. Bathroom floor traps, unused toilets, and rarely used sinks can become stagnant if the water seal is not regularly replenished. Leaky pipes under kitchen cabinets or external taps can also result in puddles that serve as mosquito nurseries. It is advised that homeowners perform plumbing checks quarterly and fix leaking connections promptly. Floor traps and gully traps not in use should be sealed or treated with cooking oil, which forms a surface layer that suffocates larvae. Another often neglected contributor is poor waste management. Discarded items such as broken toys, cans, unused flowerpots, or even polystyrene containers left in gardens or porches can trap rainwater. In high-rise buildings, recycling materials such as plastic bottles or food containers stored in open-air spaces pose additional risk. The guidelines recommend that recyclables be punctured and dried before storage and always kept under cover. Homes should also undertake regular decluttering, particularly in outdoor areas and balconies. Community recycling centers and municipal contractors should support proper collection and disposal to reduce container waste exposure. While engineering solutions and technical recommendations form the backbone of prevention, behavioral change is what ensures their sustainability. Dengue prevention should become part of the household's weekly routine, alongside tasks such as sweeping or taking out the trash. Children should be taught to report stagnant water or mosquito sightings, while household helpers or tenants must be equally informed. Awareness campaigns rooted in WHO's Combi (Communication for Behavioural Impact) model stress the importance of not just knowledge but habit formation. Posters, fridge magnets, and weekly SMS alerts have been successfully deployed in various localities to serve as reminders. When a suspected dengue case arises in a household, immediate containment is essential. The infected person should always sleep under a mosquito net, including daytime, to avoid being bitten by Aedes mosquitoes, which could then spread the virus. Simultaneously, the household should undergo a detailed inspection, not only of the patient's room but the entire compound. Neighbors must be alerted, and the local vector control unit – such as the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) should be notified to conduct fogging or larviciding in the vicinity. In this effort, stakeholder collaboration is indispensable. Homeowners, property managers, developers, and municipal authorities must work together to address shared spaces and structural risks. Developers have a responsibility to incorporate mosquito-resistant design in new housing schemes. This includes proper landscaping to avoid water retention, the use of permeable pavements, well-graded drainage systems, and the installation of sealed water tanks and inspection-accessible gutters. For high-rise or gated communities, property managers must schedule quarterly inspections of rooftop water tanks, basements, and sump pits. Maintenance logs should be maintained and subject to health inspections. Local authorities play a crucial role in enforcement and education. DBKK and related councils must uphold existing health by-laws that prohibit the harboring of mosquito breeding sites. This can include issuing compound fines or warnings to households found in violation during routine checks. Equally important is the provision of public education materials in multiple languages to reach all segments of the population, including migrant workers and the elderly. Sabah's unique climatic and demographic conditions further intensify the need for household-level dengue resilience. The state's equatorial rainfall patterns and hot temperatures create year-round breeding conditions, while many residents live in low-density housing with access to outdoor space — increasing exposure to container habitats. During the monsoon season, when rain is frequent and intense, mosquito populations can surge rapidly, outpacing fogging efforts. Therefore, household preparation and maintenance must be intensified before, during, and after seasonal peaks. Historical data from Kota Kinabalu district show that dengue outbreaks have occurred in predictable cycles, often corresponding to periods of sustained rainfall and stagnation of preventive efforts. The National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) has noted that case clusters frequently originate from residential areas where multiple breeding sites are found within proximity. In one notable case in KK district in 2022, over 60pc of the breeding sites were traced to household premises, despite weekly fogging efforts in public spaces. This highlights the irreplaceable role of domestic source control. In conclusion, household-level dengue control is not merely an auxiliary component of vector management – it is the foundation upon which all other strategies rest. Engineering controls, environmental design, behavioral adaptation, and policy enforcement must converge at the household level to sustainably reduce dengue transmission. The IEM Guidelines offer a scientifically grounded and practically implementable framework for empowering households to play a leading role in mosquito control. In a rapidly urbanizing city like Kota Kinabalu where human activity constantly reshapes the environment, household vigilance, maintenance discipline, and structural design must evolve in parallel. A mosquito-free home is not just a private benefit – it is public responsibility and a civic duty. As dengue continues to pose a threat to public health, the pathway to control lies not in complex technology, but in consistent, collective household action – one container, one drain, and one home at a time. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Independent
25-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Urgent warning issued to Spring Break travelers as popular destination suffers dengue fever outbreak
An urgent warning has been issued for U.S. travelers heading to Puerto Rico this spring break. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory on March 18 to address the ongoing rise of dengue virus (DENV) infections, with activity remaining 'high' in some parts of the U.S. and globally. Dengue is 'a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people,' per the World Health Organization, and it is 'more common in tropical and subtropical climates.' According to the CDC's advisory, transmission of dengue virus, also known as dengue fever, is high in the Americas region, which includes two popular travel spots: the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 'Spring and summer travel coincide with the peak season for dengue in many countries, increasing the risk of both travel-associated and locally acquired cases in the United States,' the health organization noted. The CDC marked the advisory about dengue as a level 1 health alert, meaning it 'conveys the highest level of importance about a public health incident.' The CDC offered sound advice for travelers heading to high-transmission areas. 'In addition, take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks after travel to avoid possibly spreading the virus to others if you are in an area where mosquitoes are active,' the CDC wrote in the health alert. 'These activities will also lower the risk for other vector-borne diseases.' In Puerto Rico, the 'reported dengue cases have remained above the outbreak threshold since February 2024,' per CDC. There was a public health emergency declared in March 2024 and has remained since. Throughout 2024, there were also 6,291 cases of dengue reported in Puerto Rico, with more than 52 percent of them requiring hospitalization. So far, there have been 936 cases in Puerto Rico this year as of March 7, 2025, which is a 113 percent increase from how many cases there were this time last year. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, a dengue outbreak was declared in August 2024. The emergency alert remains in effect, with 208 cases identified in 2024 and 30 identified in 2025, as of March 7. Meanwhile, there were 91 locally acquired cases of dengue reported in Florida in 2024. Among U.S. travelers, there were 3,483 cases identified in 2024, which is an 84 percent increase compared to the previous year. Around the world, the concerns about dengue are even greater, with about four billion people living in areas with a risk of dengue, according to the CDC. Dengue is a common disease in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Outbreaks are frequently reported in other tourist destinations, like the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The most common symptom is fever, followed by aches and pains throughout the body, vomiting, and a rash. Symptoms usually last from two to seven days, per the CDC. However, symptoms could become severe within a few hours, making the condition a medical emergency. Nearly one in 20 people who get the infection 'will develop severe dengue,' which 'can result in shock, internal bleeding, and death.'
