In a report published by the organization, it said that in 2024 alone, more than 14.6 million dengue patients were identified worldwide and at least 12,000 people died.
Meanwhile, from January to July 2025, data on more than 4 million dengue infections and over 3,000 deaths have been reported from 97 countries around the world. Dengue is no longer limited to tropical regions; it is also spreading to new areas such as Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean region. In 2024, dengue patients were also identified in France, Italy, and Spain.
According to experts, in most patients, dengue symptoms are mild and they recover within one to two weeks. However, in some cases, the disease can become severe and life-threatening.
Common symptoms of dengue include high fever (up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit), severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and skin rash.
However, doctors advise immediate hospitalization if there is severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding from the nose or gums, vomiting blood or blood in stool, extreme weakness, or if the skin becomes pale or cold.
The World Health Organization says there is no specific medicine for dengue. The infected person should get adequate rest and drink plenty of fluids. Paracetamol can be taken as per the doctor's advice to reduce pain or fever. However, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen and aspirin should be avoided, as these medicines can increase the risk of bleeding.
The most effective way to prevent dengue is to protect yourself from the bite of the Aedes mosquito. Since this mosquito is more active during the day, it is important to take precautions even during the day.
Advice from experts:
- Wear clothing that covers the body.
- Use a mosquito net if sleeping during the day.
- Use nets on windows and, if necessary, use mosquito repellent sprays or coils.
- Regularly remove standing clean water from homes and surroundings to destroy mosquito breeding grounds.
Currently, a dengue vaccine called QDenga has been approved in several countries. However, it is mainly recommended for children and adolescents aged 6 to 16 years who are at high risk.
According to the World Health Organization, along with personal awareness, coordinated initiatives at the government and institutional levels are crucial for controlling dengue.
