Dengue fever, a viral infection transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, has reached alarming heights. In 2023 alone, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported over 6.5 million cases and more than 7,300 deaths. The situation has not improved in 2024, with over 10 million cases reported by mid-year. Alarmingly, around 90% of those hospitalized are children under five, highlighting the vulnerability of this age group.
The Link Between Obesity and Severe Dengue Fever
Recent research has brought attention to a critical factor that exacerbates the severity of dengue in children: obesity. According to a study co-authored by Neelika Malavige, a professor of Immunology and Molecular Medicine at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in Sri Lanka, very overweight children are at a higher risk of hospitalization due to dengue. The findings, published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, emphasize the need for greater public awareness regarding the interplay between obesity and severe dengue.
Understanding the Study
The researchers analyzed nearly 5,000 Sri Lankan children aged 10 to 18, examining their hospitalization records due to dengue and their Body Mass Index (BMI). The results were striking children with a higher BMI (between the 50th and 85th percentiles) had significantly higher hospitalization rates than their peers with lower BMI. More concerning, those in the 98th percentile and above, indicating clinical obesity, were twice as likely to require hospitalization.
The Severe Consequences of Dengue
Dengue fever is often called “break-bone fever” due to its intense joint, bone, and muscle pain. While many recover without hospitalization, some develop severe complications such as dengue hemorrhagic fever and plasma leakage, leading to shock and potentially death if untreated. Early detection of these complications is crucial, as emphasized by Malavige.
Global Impact and Regional Concerns
Dengue is now endemic in over 100 countries, with the Americas, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific regions being the hardest hit. In many South American and Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, dengue poses a significant health challenge. The disease typically peaks during the rainy season when mosquito populations thrive in warm, humid conditions.
Resource-Strapped Health Systems Under Strain
The burden of dengue falls heavily on resource-scarce countries, where health systems are easily overwhelmed during outbreaks. Marianne Comparet, director at the UK-based International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases, underscores the importance of studies supporting at-risk groups’ clinical management, particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources. She warns that the global progression of dengue is “alarming,” necessitating urgent research to understand and mitigate the risks of severe dengue in children.
The Need for Public Awareness and Further Research
As obesity and diabetes rates continue to rise globally, it is crucial to recognize these conditions as risk factors for severe dengue. Malavige and her colleagues stress the importance of studying how obesity, diabetes, and metabolic diseases influence dengue severity and hospitalization rates. This knowledge can guide public health strategies and clinical management, ultimately reducing the impact of dengue on vulnerable populations.
Call to Action for Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals play a vital role in addressing this dual epidemic of obesity and dengue. Raising awareness about the increased risks faced by overweight children can prompt earlier interventions and better management of dengue cases. Clinicians should be vigilant in monitoring and treating dengue patients with high BMI, ensuring timely detection and treatment of complications.
Conclusion
The intersection of obesity and dengue fever presents a significant public health challenge. With dengue cases reaching historic highs and childhood obesity on the rise, the need for awareness and research is more critical than ever. By understanding and addressing these risks, healthcare professionals can help mitigate the impact of dengue and improve outcomes for affected children. As we face the continuing threat of dengue, let us be vigilant in protecting our most vulnerable populations through informed and proactive healthcare measures.
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References
- Obese children infected with dengue appear to be at higher risk of hospitalization [Internet]. Accessed on August 01, 2024. Available at: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240723/Obese-children-infected-with-dengue-appear-to-be-at-higher-risk-of-hospitalization.aspx
- Mercado-Hernandez R, Myers R, Carillo FB, Zambrana JV, López B, Sanchez N, Gordon A, Balmaseda A, Kuan G, Harris E. Obesity is associated with increased pediatric dengue virus infection and disease: A 9-year cohort study in Managua, Nicaragua. 2024 Apr 3:2024.04.02.24305219. doi: 10.1101/2024.04.02.24305219. Update in: Clin Infect Dis. 2024 Jul 15: ciae360. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciae360.
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