The Increasing Prevalence of Dengue Fever: Why Monitoring Body Temperature is Crucial

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Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease that primarily affects tropical regions, is becoming increasingly prevalent and unpredictable worldwide. Recent reports suggest alarming growth in the number of infections and deaths, raising concerns for public health systems globally. Under these circumstances, regular monitoring of one’s body temperature using a reliable and accurate thermometer, such as the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer, is crucial. This blog post explores the reasons behind the rise in dengue fever cases and highlights the importance of early detection through temperature monitoring.  

The Dengue Surge: facts and figures  

Recent years have witnessed a worrying trend in the prevalence of dengue fever. For example, 2019 marked the highest number of dengue cases ever recorded, almost doubling the figures from the previous year. Even more concerning, Bangladesh experienced a record number of deaths due to the disease in July 2023.  

Climate change: a possible catalyst  

Climate change appears to be playing a significant role in the increase and unpredictability of dengue outbreaks. Experts, including researchers from Anglia Ruskin University, predict that a warmer, wetter, and less reliable climate is likely to bring about many more—and less predictable—mosquito-related disease outbreaks.  

The Mosquito Factor  

The primary vector for dengue transmission is the Asian Tiger mosquito, Aedes aegypti, although Aedes albopictus is also capable of spreading the virus. These species have expanded their range out of the tropics into regions such as southern Europe and several U.S. states, including Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and Arizona. Their adaptability, including the ability to breed in small water containers like discarded plastic bottle caps, facilitates their spread.  

Dengue symptoms and severity  

Most people infected with dengue exhibit flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and joint pain. However, severe cases can result in dengue haemorrhagic fever, characterized by damaged blood vessels, bruising, and bleeding from the nose and gums, ultimately leading to organ failure and death.  

The importance of regular temperature monitoring  

Given the increasing prevalence and unpredictability of dengue fever, it is crucial to engage in preventative measures. One effective way to identify potential dengue infections early is by regularly monitoring body temperature. Elevated body temperature is often the first sign of viral infection, making it a critical marker. Using a reliable, easy not use and accurate thermometer like the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer allows for easy, consistent tracking, which is especially crucial when an outbreak occurs. As the world experiences climatic changes and the consequential increase in mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever, being proactive about health monitoring becomes increasingly essential. Monitoring your body temperature twice daily with a reliable and accurate thermometer can be a crucial step in early detection, thereby enabling timely medical intervention. While the world awaits a more comprehensive solution, such as an affordable and effective vaccine, taking personal preventative steps can make all the difference. 

Sources,  

EXERGEN P/N 850226, Rev 1