WHO Launches Plan to Combat Global Dengue Surge with 4 Billion at Risk, Includes Zika and Chikungunya

Oct 3, 2024, 11:02 AM

Italian scientists have raised concerns over a surge in dengue fever cases in the central Marche region, attributed to high temperatures that have facilitated the spread of the virus. In response to the global rise in dengue cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the Global Strategic Preparedness, Readiness, and Response Plan. This plan aims to control dengue transmission and offers recommendations to affected countries, including disease surveillance, laboratory activities, vector control, community engagement, clinical management, and research. The WHO has noted that dengue cases have surged across all six WHO regions, with an estimated 4 billion people at risk globally, and the number of cases has approximately doubled each year since 2021. The plan also addresses other Aedes-borne arboviruses such as Zika and chikungunya.