Latest news with #mosquitoborne
The Independent
5 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Dengue kills 101 as Bangladesh stares at major outbreak
Bangladesh has recorded 101 deaths from dengue fever so far this year, with public health experts warning the mosquito-borne disease could surge sharply in the coming weeks. Official data from the Directorate General of Health Services show 24,183 confirmed cases since January, including 448 hospital admissions in the 24 hours to Sunday. The latest fatalities include two in Dhaka and one in Chattogram. Nineteen people died in the first 10 days of August alone, following 41 deaths in July, more than double June's toll of 19. Hospitals in Dhaka and other major cities are under pressure, while rural facilities with limited intensive care capacity are also struggling. 'The situation is critical. The virus is already widespread across the country, and without aggressive intervention, hospitals will be overwhelmed,' Prof Kabirul Bashar, an entomologist at Jahangirnagar University, told Reuters news agency. 'August could see at least three times as many cases as July, with numbers potentially peaking in September.' He urged nationwide mosquito-control drives involving fumigation, community clean-up, and removal of stagnant water, a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes, the carriers of dengue virus. Experts say a combination of warm, humid weather, intermittent rainfall, and climate change has created ideal conditions for the insects to breed and spread the disease. In addition to the hotspot of Dhaka, large numbers of cases are being reported in Barishal, Chattogram, Khulna, and Rajshahi divisions. Many critically ill patients from rural areas are transferred to Dhaka hospitals but often arrive too late for effective treatment. Key facts about dengue Dr HM Nazmul Ahsan, associate professor at the Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital in Dhaka, said a rising number of deaths were linked to the Expanded Dengue Syndrome, a severe form of the illness known to damage vital organs such as the liver, brain, heart, kidneys, and the central nervous system. 'These patients can deteriorate rapidly and die suddenly due to severe complications,' he told the Daily Star, noting that people with conditions like hypertension, diabetes and chronic lung or kidney diseases were particularly vulnerable. Symptoms of dengue Common warning signs include severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, bleeding, extreme weakness and a sharp drop in urination or platelet count. Dr Ahsan advised immediate hospital admission for such symptoms and early admission for the elderly, pregnant women and those with underlying health issues. Public health expert Dr Mushtaq Hussain called for restructuring dengue care into primary, secondary and tertiary levels, and for strengthening district hospitals so that only stabilised critical cases were referred to Dhaka. He also recommended expanding access to affordable testing, more blood collection centres, and improved secondary care to reduce the burden on major city hospitals, the Daily Star reported. Bangladesh's deadliest year for dengue was 2023, when 1,705 people died and more than 321,000 were hospitalised. In 2024, there were 575 deaths and over 101,000 cases. Authorities fear this year's outbreak could rival or exceed those numbers unless preventive measures are intensified.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
Anbio Biotechnology Responds to Global Outbreaks with Chikungunya Rapid Test and New 15-Minute Ultra-Fast PCR System
Covering both mosquito-borne diseases and emerging respiratory pathogens, Anbio continues to advance point-of-care diagnostics for timely outbreak detection worldwide. FRANKFURT, Germany, Aug. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to recent outbreaks of Chikungunya fever, Anbio Biotechnology has announced the launch of its Chikungunya IgM/IgG Rapid Test, offering clinicians and public health authorities a fast, accessible diagnostic tool at the point of care. As cases continue to rise across tropical and subtropical regions, timely detection and differentiation from other arboviral infections like Dengue and Zika remain critical. The test, based on immunochromatographic technology, enables reliable qualitative detection of Chikungunya-specific antibodies in human serum, plasma, or whole blood. This addition strengthens Anbio's infectious disease diagnostics portfolio and supports public health efforts in responding to emerging outbreaks. In parallel, Anbio is advancing the boundaries of decentralized molecular diagnostics with the launch of its new AP-100 Ultra-Fast PCR system, designed to bring laboratory-grade testing capabilities directly to the point of care. 'Outbreaks demand speed. The AP-100 collapses hours of traditional PCR into minutes, without compromising accuracy,' said Michael Lau, CEO of Anbio Biotechnology. The AP-100 utilizes an advanced microfluidic thermal cycling system combined with high-efficiency enzymatic amplification chemistry, enabling direct processing of swab samples without the need for nucleic acid extraction. Its integrated design streamlines sample-to-result workflows, making it well-suited for deployment in both centralized laboratories and decentralized, point-of-care environments. Key highlights: While initially focused on respiratory infections, the AP-100 is designed as a flexible molecular platform. In line with its global infectious disease strategy, Anbio is expanding the assay portfolio to include tests for tuberculosis (TB) and human papillomavirus (HPV), extending its role from rapid outbreak response to sustained disease management. 'Whether it's vector-borne fevers or respiratory pandemics, we believe diagnostics should move as fast as the threat,' Lau added. With its combination of speed, mobility, and lab-grade precision, Anbio's new-generation POCT PCR system strengthens healthcare capacity in both well-resourced and resource-limited settings, advancing global preparedness for infectious disease threats. About Anbio Biotechnology Anbio Biotechnology is a globally oriented in vitro diagnostics (IVD) company providing a broad range of solutions, including immunofluorescence, dry chemistry, chemiluminescence, molecular diagnostics, rapid testing and veterinary diagnostics. With operations across multiple regions, the company works to enhance the availability of reliable and timely diagnostics, supporting better decision-making in healthcare settings worldwide. For more information about Anbio Biotechnology, follow us for the latest news and updates. View original content: SOURCE Anbio Biotechnology
The Independent
5 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
What risk does chikungunya pose to the UK after virus outbreak in China?
Cases of a mosquito-borne viral disease have spiked in China this month as the country imposes Covid-era regulations in the most affected areas. There have been nearly 8,000 cases of chikungunya in under a month, focused largely in Foshan city and Guangdong region. The rapid rise in cases has prompted fears of a wider outbreak, despite the strict measures put in place by Chinese authorities. There is also a rising number of imported chikungunya cases in Europe. According to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) here have been 48 cases reported in France since 1 May, alongside two in Italy. Since the beginning of 2025, 240,000 cases and 90 deaths related to chikungunya virus disease have been reported in 16 countries across the globe. In China, authorities have imposed strict measures to prevent the spread of the virus, drawing comparisons to its approach to the Covid pandemic. New rules have seen patients required to stay within quarantine zones inside hospitals, while soldiers wearing masks have been deployed to spray insecticides in public places to exterminate mosquitoes. In the UK, there were 26 infections detected in travellers returning to the country from other locations between January and March this year. The risk in this country remains low, but the UK Health Security Agency is urging people to take precautions when travelling. Hilary Kirkbride, head of travel health at UK Health Security Agency, said: 'There is continued transmission of chikungunya globally and we continue to see infections in travellers returning to the UK. 'It is essential to take precautions against mosquito-borne infections such as chikungunya while travelling abroad. Simple steps, such as using insect repellent, covering exposed skin and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets, can effectively reduce the risk. 'Before you travel, check the TravelHealthPro website for the latest health advice on your destination. A chikungunya vaccine may also considered for those travelling to higher risk regions.' Here's everything you need to know about the virus: What is chikungunya virus disease? Chikungunya virus disease is a mosquito-borne disease that is widely found in tropical and subtropical regions. It is only spread to humans by a bite from an infected mosquito, and cannot be passed between humans. The 240,000 cases detected in 2025 so far have been found in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Brazil has the most cases, with over 185,553, followed by Bolivia (4,721) and Argentina (2,836). Two French islands off the east coast of Africa, La Réunion and Mayotte, are also experiencing ongoing outbreaks of the disease, with over 55,000 cases combined as of July 2025. The virus was first detected in Tanzania in 1952, after which it spread to other countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South East Asia. It has been reported in 119 countries across the globe to date. What are the symptoms of chikungunya? Most people will develop symptoms of chikungunya within three to seven days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. One of the most pronounced symptoms is joint pain, which can be severe in some cases. Other symptoms include fever, rash, headache, muscle pain and swollen joints. In most cases, an infected individual will feel better within a week. However, severe cases can see joint pain persist for months or even years. Those most at risk from severe symptoms include newborns, older people, and those with underlying health conditions. Deaths from the disease are rare.
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Urgent warning to Aussie travellers as worst outbreak in 10 years strikes Pacific nations
Australian travellers are being warned to take caution when visiting several popular holiday destinations in the Pacific, as dengue fever cases spike to their highest numbers in a decade. Thousands of people have been infected in multiple countries and at least two children have died, with the virus affecting an alarmingly high number of young people. There are currently more than 18,000 suspected cases of dengue in the Pacific, with that number still expected to rise. Among the countries with a confirmed outbreak are Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, the Cook Islands and Kiribati. Other countries, including French Polynesia, American Samoa, Nauru and Tuvalu, have also reported cases of dengue fever. The mosquito-borne virus has similar symptoms to a bad flu or Covid virus, which can make it difficult to diagnose without a blood test. Symptoms typically include sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and a faint red rash. The latest data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows the disease has spread the most rapidly in Fiji, Tonga and French Polynesia. Two children die after getting dengue Officials in Samoa reported that a staggering 87 per cent of the infected have been children and teenagers. On July 13, eight-year-old Faith Melchoir became the second child in the country to die from dengue. The first was 12-year-old Misiafa Lene, who died in New Zealand after being flown out of Samoa on an emergency medevac flight back in April. The nation's government even delayed the start of term 3 for some primary schools this week due to the increasing number of children infected with the virus. Dr Nancy Wong from the World Health Organisation Representative Office for the South Pacific told Yahoo News there's a reason why young people are more highly represented in the statistics. "Because being infected with a strain of dengue usually provides lifelong immunity against that strain, children can be at much higher risk of being infected when the strain is reintroduced into the country," she said. "Many adults would have been infected previously, meaning they are protected from reinfection with that strain." There are four strains of dengue, with two currently in the Pacific. Once someone recovers from the disease, they generally get life-long immunity — but only to that strain. Dr Wong said there are a number of factors that are contributing to the surge in cases this year. These include: Increased rainfall and higher temperatures that mosquitoes favour. Climate change can contribute to these weather conditions Increased international movement of people, and the possibility of a person infected with a different strain arriving in a new country Large gaps between outbreaks can mean there is a new generation of people who haven't previously been exposed to the virus Stronger disease surveillance and reporting can appear to raise the number of cases The WHO advises that even a bottle cap can contain enough water for a mosquito to breed, and urges locals to do their part to clean up any potential mosquito breeding sites. Drains, gutters, bottles, buckets, wheelbarrows and even spare tyres could all collect water and turn into a breeding ground. Should Aussie travellers be worried? Making the decision to postpone or cancel a trip due to a dengue outbreak is an entirely personal choice. While no experts are advising that affected countries be avoided, the SmartTraveller website does suggest to use caution when visiting some of the Pacific nations. Dr Wong said those headed to any tropical destinations — not just in the Pacific — should be aware of the risks. "Dengue fever is widespread globally, it's estimated that about half the world's population is now at risk," she said. "So being aware of dengue and how to protect yourself is very important for travellers to many parts of the world, and particularly to tropical and subtropical countries. "The types of mosquitoes that can spread dengue bite during the day, and especially in the few hours after dawn, and the few hours before sunset." Dr Wong added the best way to lower the risk of getting the disease is to: wear clothes that cover as much of your body as possible use mosquito nets for sleeping during the day, ideally nets sprayed with insect repellent use door and window screens use mosquito repellents (containing DEET, Picaridin or IR3535) use coils and vaporisers. "Dengue fever often causes no symptoms, but in some people, it can be a severe and life-threatening illness," she said. "It's important to understand the symptoms of dengue and especially severe dengue, and to seek medical care if you experience these symptoms." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Aussie grey nomads, campers warned as deadly threat prompts new campaign
Australians are being urged to take mosquito-borne diseases seriously, as a new government initiative rolls out free repellent dispensers across high-risk regions. The pilot program, launched in memory of Peter Blackaby — who tragically died from Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) in 2023 — is part of Western Australia Health's intensified Fight the Bite campaign. Peter's wife, Sonia, is now warning others not to take mosquito bites lightly. "Not enough people are aware of the severity of the viruses that mozzies carry," Sonia told Yahoo News. "Most people have never even heard of MVE. We hadn't. Awareness is the only way to start imprinting the message with people: Prevent bites. It's the only way to protect yourself." The couple had made regular caravanning trips through the Kimberley, Pilbara, and Gascoyne areas, now included in the free repellent dispenser trial. "We had made many trips to Broome, the Dampier Peninsula, Kununurra and the Gibb River Road," Sonia said. "It was one of our favourite destinations." During their final three-week trip together, there were no warning signs. "Pete never said mosquitoes really bothered him. There wasn't a particular bite on him that we were aware of," she said. "I always get smashed by mosquitoes, though." Tragically, Peter contracted MVE — a rare but potentially fatal virus carried by mosquitoes — and lost his life not long after. Since 2023, there have been 12 recorded cases of MVE in WA, resulting in five deaths. The new initiative will see free mosquito repellent dispensers made available to eligible community organisations in high-risk areas, such as caravan parks, sporting clubs, outdoor cinemas and alfresco venues. It is timed to coincide with the annual "grey nomad" season, when thousands of older travellers head north during the winter months — a group considered particularly vulnerable to mosquito-borne illness. A State-wide rollout is planned for 2026, following the initial trial across the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne. WA Health continues to detect MVE activity through its mosquito and sentinel chicken surveillance programs. Although winter is usually a lower-risk period, 2025 has been an unusual year, prompting authorities to reinforce prevention messages. A WA Health spokesperson told Yahoo that the northern dry season, which generally represents a lower risk period for mosquito-borne viruses, has been an unusual year in 2025. "Whilst rare, infection can cause a very serious, potentially fatal, disease. Individuals who survive are often left with severe neurological deficits or disability," they said. "Residents and travellers heading north need to take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites by wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, avoid areas where mosquitoes are in high numbers and apply an effective insect repellent to all areas of exposed skin. 🦠 Family's Bali nightmare amid disease outbreak in tourist hotspots ‼️ Scientists use toxins to kill off world's most dangerous creature 🦟 Could this tiny gadget reduce itch caused by mosquito bites? "WA Health is also encouraging local governments and larger businesses/corporate organisations to make insect repellent readily accessible to the public and employees in high-risk locations, to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease. A limited number of repellent dispensers are available, free of charge, to eligible community groups/organisations in Kimberley, Pilbara, and Gascoyne to participate in this important Fight the Bite initiative. Sonia, meanwhile, hopes sharing her family's story can help save others. "Prevent bites — it's the only way," she said. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
