Time: 2024-07-13
An adult yellow fever mosquito is seen in this photo provided by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases ' Department of Medical Entomology . Dengue fever , an infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes , has spread widely across the world , with the number of cases reaching a record high of over 10 million this year , including at least 96 in Japan . The disease is caused by the Dengue virus , and when it develops , symptoms such as a high fever of nearly 40 degrees Celsius , a severe headache , and muscle pain occur . According to the World Health Organization ( WHO ) and its Regional Office for the Americas , some 10.44 million cases had been reported from at least 80 counties as of July 5 , with more than 6,000 deaths . Reports from the Americas in particular have increased drastically , accounting for 97 % of the recorded cases.
Since the beginning of May , officials from the Ministry of Health of the Iranian regime have been sounding alarms about the potential spread of dengue fever . They predict that the disease will likely see a surge in cases during September and October . Unlike many other countries , Iran faces a significant challenge in accessing dengue vaccines . According to the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , dengue fever has seen widespread incidence globally in 2024 . Regions ranging from the Americas to Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific are grappling with dengue outbreaks.
Dengue fever , predominantly a tropical disease , made its initial appearance in Iran along the shores of the Persian Gulf . Health officials attributed its introduction to infected individuals traveling from countries such as the United Arab Emirates . Last year , the Ministry of Health recorded 75 cases of dengue fever . This year , the number has escalated to 149 confirmed cases . Health Minister Bahram Eynollahi has acknowledged the possibility that dengue fever could evolve into an epidemic . Shahnam Arshi , head of the infectious disease management center at the Ministry of Health , confirmed that the dengue vaccine is administered in a limited way and in special cases.
Dengue fever , often referred to as bone - breaking fever , is transmitted through the bite of the invasive Aedes mosquito , also known as the Asian tiger mosquito . These mosquitoes thrive in hot climates and densely populated areas lacking clean water , proper sanitation , and effective waste management . As Iran braces for the potential spread of dengue fever , the need for comprehensive public health measures and accessible vaccines becomes increasingly urgent.
The regimes previous negligence in timely vaccine procurement during the COVID-19 crisis resulted in the loss of at least 500,000 lives , and its aftermath continues to haunt the nation . A report in the state - run daily Donya - e Eghtesad , quoting virologist Talat Mokhtari , highlighted the danger of dengue fever potentially infecting more people than anticipated . The publics frustration is further fueled by the insufficient availability of vaccines , a result of what many perceive as the regimes inhumane policies . The lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the importance of timely and effective health interventions to prevent another public health crisis.