The dengue crisis

Dengue is on the rise again. At least 85 persons have died so far this year in Sri Lanka after getting infected with the dreaded mosquito-borne disease and nearly 6,500 have been infected. A newspaper report published yesterday said 50 percent of children under 12 in Colombo have been infected. These figures far exceed the equivalent numbers for 2008.

This is indeed an alarming situation. It is clear that Sri Lanka is facing a dengue epidemic. Worldwide too, dengue infects at least 50 million people every year - second only to malaria. Even some developed countries have not been spared, leave alone the Third World.

The Government has already initiated action on a rapid mosquito breeding site eradication program in order to minimize the spread of dengue. Yet, the Health Ministry alone cannot handle this Herculean task. With 12 districts being identified as high-risk areas, the provincial councils and local bodies should extend their fullest cooperation towards this effort.

It is clear that neglect on the part of certain provincial authorities to clear garbage dumps and mosquito breeding sites has contributed to this status quo. They must act immediately to address such concerns. The health authorities must provide funds if the relevant local bodies are cash strapped.

Individual residents and owners of business premises too must share the blame. Many households have neglected cleaning their compounds, which have turned into ideal breeding sites not only for the dengue mosquito, but also for mosquito vectors of malaria and filaria. Action must be taken against those who fail to remove mosquito breeding spots even after repeated warnings.

Public cooperation is essential to minimize, if not eliminate, mosquito-borne diseases. The regular cleaning of household compounds and throwing away water accumulating in bottles, pots and used tyres are just two of the steps that can be taken without any cost to minimize the risk of dengue.

There is speculation that Genetically Modified (GM) mosquitoes which are resistant to fumigation and other tactics have been introduced to urban areas in Sri Lanka by certain parties with vested interests. This is indeed worth investigating, as the health of the people is at stake. The culprits behind any such move to ‘breed’ GM mosquitoes should be exposed and punished.

In the meantime, the public should be vigilant. Those who experience fever even for a day should undergo tests for dengue at the nearest public hospital. Sufferers experience a range of symptoms, from mild fever to incapacitating high fever with severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain and rashes.

It is recommended that patients patronize Government hospitals for these tests and treatment as private hospitals usually do not provide good aftercare for dengue patients. Any delay in seeking medication could prove to be fatal. Children are especially vulnerable and it is up to parents to rush their children having fever to the nearest medical facility.

The WHO and pharmaceutical companies are working on a dengue vaccine, but production is not slated to begin at least until 2013, after human clinical trials. It has already been described as the “biggest vaccine ever” considering the global spread of the disease. Our universities and research institutes too must be involved in research in this direction.

Nevertheless, one should not pin all hopes on a vaccine as it is years away from regulatory approval. The best course of action is preventing the disease. However, the increasingly globalised nature of the world and our fast-paced lifestyle are also factors for the rapid spread of diseases around the world.

Dengue, Chikungunya, HIV/AIDS, SARS, bird flu and swine flu have challenged health authorities the world over. A disease cannot be kept confined to a particular region or country because travel is so cheap and commonplace.

This is why all countries must form a global alliance to fight diseases now, more than ever. The Third World must also initiate collective vaccine research programs, as some vaccines manufactured by multinational drug companies are prohibitively expensive.

The gravest challenge to the world order in this century may not be Global Warming. It could be disease. Overcrowded mega cities are a recipe for disaster, health-wise. Although inter-Governmental cooperation is essential to keep the likes of dengue at bay, individuals have a responsibility to keep themselves and their environment clean. That is the first step to fighting disease, including dengue.