Dengue: Discover 3 Reasons to Pay Special Attention to Monitoring Body Temperature During the Infection Period

/ Press Release / Por
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Watertown, Mass., August 6, 2024 – With over 6.3 million dengue cases recorded in 2024, Brazil has set a record for the highest number of dengue infections in a single year, accounting for 80% of cases worldwide. 

Endemic to tropical and subtropical regions, the dengue virus (DENV) is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes. The virus has four serotypes, and infection with one serotype provides only transient immunity to the others. Secondary infections with a different serotype can increase the risk of severe dengue. While the disease is often asymptomatic or results in mild symptoms, it can progress to severe dengue, characterized by shock, heavy bleeding, or organ involvement. 

“Temperature monitoring during the dengue outbreak in Brazil is crucial to detect suspected cases early and implement effective control measures, safeguarding lives and helping to prevent complications in the evolution of the disease, in addition to providing information for epidemiological control,” explains Dr. Gabriela Gama, a pediatrician and childcare specialist. She emphasizes that “as the world awaits a more comprehensive solution – such as an affordable and effective vaccine – in addition to tracking body temperature, taking simple personal preventative measures can make all the difference: avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity (dawn and dusk); using repellents with active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil; and wearing clothing that minimizes skin exposure.” 

Dr. Gabriela Gama further highlighted the health benefits of understanding fever during the infection period, emphasizing three key reasons for regular temperature monitoring: 

  • Early Detection and Prevention of Complications – Regular monitoring of body temperature can help detect the presence of dengue early, thereby preventing potential complications, such as dengue shock syndrome, which requires immediate medical intervention. 
  • Assessment of Disease Severity – Fever is one of the key indicators in determining the severity of dengue infection, which can range from mild to severe. Fever monitoring allows for a more accurate assessment of disease progression, helping healthcare professionals identify the possible need for intensive care or hospitalization. 
  • Symptom Management – Fever, besides causing discomfort, can be associated with other symptoms such as headache and muscle aches in dengue cases. Temperature monitoring assists the medical team in managing symptoms and adjusting treatment if fever persists for a long period or increases rapidly unexpectedly. 

“Employing a reliable, easy-to-use, and accurate thermometer, such as the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer, allows for consistent temperature tracking, which is especially crucial during an outbreak like the current one in Brazil,” says Benjamin Kalm Laub, Commercial Director for South America and the Carribean at Exergen. “It’s important to remember that if you notice a high fever accompanied by headache, body and joint pain, prostration, weakness, pain behind the eyes, rash, and itching of the skin, you should see your doctor promptly.”  

About Exergen  

Exergen Corporation, headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, United States, is the leader in non-invasive temperature measurement technologies for industrial and medical applications, and delivers non-invasive temperature meters with higher accuracy, lower costs, less process control, and higher reliability than previously possible. Known in both healthcare and consumer markets for its award-winning arterial thermometer, Exergen was founded by MIT and Harvard graduate, and Harvard research scientist, Dr. Francesco Pompei, who is inventor of more than 100 patents owned by Exergen.   

 

Source:  

EXERGEN P/N 850187, Rev 1