Yahoo News How ‘Dengue Detectives’ Are Racing To Prevent A Super-Spreader Event At The Olympics
The Olympics are a massive deal for so many reasons, including the fact that it brings together athletes and spectators from around the world into one spot. But now, scientists are worried that having all of those people in one location will create a super-spreader event for dengue fever.
In fact, French officials have recruited so-called “dengue detectives” who are keeping tabs on the Asian tiger mosquito in Paris (where the Games will be held), according to The Telegraph. An increase in global travel, hot and wet weather, and climate change have allowed these bugs to thrive—and they can carry dengue fever. Not only that, rising global temperatures mean that mosquitos that carry dengue have been spotted in 13 European countries, The Telegraph reports.
This isn’t just a European issue: Dengue fever has been detected around the world. Cases are also on the rise in the United States, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
But what is dengue fever and why is this a concern? Here’s the deal.
What is dengue fever?
Dengue fever is a viral infection that’s spread to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Dengue, which is also known as break-bone fever, is more common in tropical and subtropical climates. In severe cases, dengue fever can be fatal.
What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
Most people who get the illness will have mild symptoms or no symptoms and will get better in one to two weeks, per the WHO. People who develop symptoms will usually feel sick four to 10 days after they get infected and have symptoms that last for two to seven days. Those can include:
High fever (104°F)
Severe headache
Pain behind the eyes
Muscle and joint pains
Nausea
Vomiting
Swollen glands
Rash
People who are infected a second time are at risk for developing severe dengue fever. Those symptoms include:
Severe abdominal pain
Persistent vomiting
Rapid breathing
Bleeding gums or nose
Fatigue
Restlessness
Blood in vomit or stool
Being very thirsty
Pale and cold skin
Feeling weak
People also tend to feel tired for several weeks after they recover from dengue, according to the WHO.
How do you treat dengue fever?
There are no special antiviral medications to treat dengue, according to the CDC. Instead, people are usually given supportive care, like acetaminophen to treat fever and pain.
Is there a dengue fever outbreak at the Paris Olympics?
Well, not yet, but French officials are worried about a potential one. On May 1, the Greater Paris Regional Health Agency (ARS) launched a "surveillance campaign" of 526 mosquito nesting traps that will each be sent for testing once a month, per The Telegraph. Trap sites include the Stade de France, the Olympic Village, some “fan zones,” and three of the city’s airports.
The operation will run until November, with the Olympics being identified as a "significant risk for disease transmission," per the outlet. (An estimated 16 million people will visit the city for the event.)
“It’s true—the Olympic Games are a critical moment,” Cécile Somarriba, director of health monitoring and safety at the ARS, told The Telegraph. “We are prioritizing our surveillance in places that will host large gatherings. This is where risk of transmission is highest.”
How do I protect myself from dengue fever?
Dengue fever isn’t widespread in the United States, but there have been cases here. Prevention and protection really revolves around doing your best to avoid getting bitten by infected mosquitos.
According to the WHO, that includes doing the following if you live in an area where dengue is spreading:
Wearing clothes that cover as much of your body as possible
Using mosquito nets that cover your bed
Using screens in your windows
Wearing mosquito repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535
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