The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about a significant global surge in dengue fever cases. This mosquito-borne virus, commonly found in tropical and sub-tropical climates, has been detected in new regions, prompting health officials to urge vigilance among medical professionals.

Climate change is contributing to the spread of dengue fever, as increasing temperatures and humidity create favorable conditions for mosquito breeding. Health experts recommend taking precautions when traveling to high-risk areas, such as staying in air-conditioned accommodations, using insect repellents, and avoiding places with standing water.

The symptoms of dengue fever range from mild to severe. According to the CDC, about one in four people infected with the virus develops symptoms, which usually appear four to ten days after infection and last two to seven days. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash and aches and pains, including pain behind the eyes. Severe dengue accounts for about one in twenty cases of illness and leads to shock, internal bleeding and even death. Warning signs of severe dengue fever include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, vomiting blood, blood in the stool, extreme fatigue or irritability. These symptoms usually appear 24 to 48 hours after the fever breaks and require immediate medical attention.

For diagnosis, healthcare providers should be aware of the symptoms and consider the patient's recent travel history. Dengue diagnosis involves the detection of dengue virus, viral nucleic acids, antigens or antibodies by laboratory methods. It includes clinical diagnosis of patients with fever and other symptoms, especially in dengue-endemic areas. Laboratory tests include RT-PCR for viral RNA, testing for NS1 antigen and testing for IgM and IgG antibodies. A positive result for NAAT or NS1 confirms acute infection. A positive IgM test in a paired sample indicates a recent dengue infection.

The global rise in dengue fever cases highlights the need for increased awareness and precautionary measures. Medical professionals should remain vigilant, particularly in areas at risk, and individuals traveling to these regions should take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Immediate medical attention is crucial for those exhibiting severe symptoms to prevent complications and ensure timely treatment.