The head of the Infectious Disease Management Center of the Ministry of Health stated that currently "40 cities" in Iran are affected by the Aedes mosquito, the vector for dengue fever. Shahnam Arshi said on Sunday, July 15, that the fight against this mosquito is ongoing in "at least 87 locations across the country," and warned that the outbreak caused by the Egyptian strain of this mosquito could be "explosive," similar to the recent epidemic in Bangladesh. He further noted that the Aedes mosquito causes four diseases: dengue fever, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika, none of which currently have vaccines or definitive treatments. Arshi explained that unlike the Anopheles mosquito, which transmits malaria and feeds at night indoors, the Aedes mosquito is active during the day and outdoors, which contributes to its potential for explosive outbreaks. He announced that the Aedes mosquito has infected southern provinces such as Sistan and Baluchestan, Hormozgan, Bushehr, and Khuzestan, while Gilan province in the north has also been infected, with Mazandaran and Golestan provinces likely to follow. He also reported a resurgence of malaria due to the entry of Anopheles mosquitoes into Iran over the past three years, attributing the spread of this disease in some provinces to "climatic changes." Dengue fever, also known as "breakbone fever," presents symptoms such as high fever, headache, body aches, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and skin rashes. The Ministry of Health has recommended using insect repellent sprays or pens, residing in covered areas with nets, wearing light, long, and loose clothing, covering legs, and consulting a doctor if severe symptoms occur as preventive measures. American officials have reported that the dengue virus has spread globally and in the Americas in recent months, with some countries breaking annual records for dengue cases. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has announced that by the beginning of 2024, global cases will exceed 10 million, with over 5,000 deaths.
40 Cities in Iran Affected by Dengue Fever-Transmitting Mosquito
Iran is currently facing a dengue fever outbreak affecting 40 cities, primarily due to the Aedes mosquito. Health officials warn of the potential for explosive spread similar to recent epidemics in other countries. This situation is exacerbated by climate change and the absence of effective vaccines or treatments.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Iran is currently experiencing a dengue fever outbreak affecting 40 cities due to the Aedes mosquito. Health officials warn that the situation could escalate rapidly, similar to recent epidemics in other countries.
- The Aedes mosquito is responsible for transmitting multiple diseases, including dengue fever, which currently lacks effective vaccines or treatments.
- The outbreak is exacerbated by climatic changes and has already affected southern provinces and is likely to spread further.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, with no specific treatment available, making prevention crucial. The rise in cases is linked to climate change and urbanization, which create favorable conditions for mosquito breeding.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%