23 Jul 2024 | 07:50 AM UTC
Iran: Locally acquired cases of dengue fever reported in Bandar-Lengheh, Hormozgan Province, in July
Locally acquired cases of dengue fever reported in Bandar-Lengheh, Hormozgan Province, Iran, in July. Avoid mosquito bites.
International health authorities have reported locally acquired cases of dengue fever in Bandar-Lengheh, Hormozgan Province, with 12 locally acquired cases reported June 14-July 17. This represents the first report of locally acquired dengue fever cases in Iran. Health officials have implemented measures to enhance hospital readiness in response to the emerging threat of dengue fever, aiming to prepare healthcare workers to diagnose and treat cases effectively. Authorities have identified eight high-risk provinces for targeted intervention based on vector density: Baluchistan, Bushehr, Fars, Gilan, Golestan, Hormozgan, Khuzestan, Mazandaran, and Sistan. This report represents the most complete data available as of July 23.
Check with your healthcare provider if dengue vaccination is needed. If you have previously been infected with dengue fever, consult with your physician regarding vaccination. Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas. Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen products if dengue fever is suspected, as these could exacerbate bleeding tendencies associated with the disease.
The risk of dengue fever in Iran is high due to the presence of mosquitoes in the country, favorable climate conditions for mosquito breeding, and the movement of people from countries with ongoing dengue fever outbreaks and endemic areas to Iran. Iran reported an average of 20 imported dengue fever cases annually between 2017 and 2023. However, there was a significant increase in 2024, with 137 imported cases reported May 15- July 10.
Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of infection is often highest in urban and semi-urban areas. Symptoms of dengue fever include a sudden onset of fever and at least one of the following: severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, muscle and/or joint pain, rash, easy bruising, and/or nose or gum bleeding. Symptoms typically appear 5-7 days after being bitten but can develop up to 10 days after exposure. Dengue fever can progress to a more severe form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). DHF can be fatal if it is not recognized and treated in a timely manner. There are two dengue fever vaccines, Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV) and Qdenga (TAK-003). Dengvaxia is only recommended for individuals with a history of dengue infection and who live in dengue-endemic countries or areas. Qdenga is recommended for use in children aged 6–16 in settings with high dengue burden and transmission intensity.
