There is a global outbreak of dengue. The Reason? Might be climate change!

Dengue is among the top mosquito-borne illnesses in the world. It infects as many as 100 million people yearly. Also called the “break-bone fever”, it usually witnesses an outbreak during the monsoon season in subtropical and tropical countries particularly. 

According to WHO (World Health Organization), half of the population in Asia, Africa, and Latin America is at the risk of dengue. This year, explosive outbreaks have affected Southeast Asia particularly, leaving 670,000 infected and more than 1,800 people dead in the region.

Experts say an outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease in Southeast Asia is the worst in years. At least 622 have died in the Philippines so far this year, cases in Vietnam, Laos, and Singapore have tripled, and hospitals are overrun in Malaysia, Myanmar, and Cambodia as governments struggle to contain the untreatable virus. Experts say it’s the worst outbreak in years. But one group of scientists is rolling out trials to breed dengue-resistant bugs, raising hopes that the disease could finally be beaten.

Worst outbreak in years:

According to the experts, this year, the region saw the worst outbreak in years. About 622 people lost their lives in the Philippines this year. The cases in Vietnam, Laos, and Singapore have increased three-fold. The situation is no different in Malaysia, Myanmar and Cambodia as the hospitals are overrun. 

While some scientists brand it as the worst outbreak in years, others are trying to breed dengue-resistant bugs, hoping that they will fight the crisis.

Reason: Can it be climate change?

The cases of dengue infections have slowed increased across the world during the 1970s as the temperature rose. Irregular monsoon rains are linked to climate change, as it provides suitable breeding conditions for mosquitos.

“Climate change is altering weather patterns across the globe. Seasonality is changing, we’re having less predictable extreme events,” Dr. Rachel Lowe of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine commented.

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