October 16, 2024 — The Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a report stating that dengue fever cases have now spread to 143 streets and towns across the city. The number of new cases has surged significantly over the past week compared to the previous week, and severe cases have emerged. Patients are experiencing intense pain. A chief physician at a hospital indicated that currently, half of the patients presenting with fever are being diagnosed with dengue fever.

437 New Dengue Fever Cases in One Week

On October 15, the Guangzhou CDC released a report stating that from October 7 to October 13, 437 new dengue fever cases were reported across the city, an increase of 185 cases compared to the previous week, marking a week-on-week increase of 73.41%. There were three new severe cases.

Among the cases, 360 were locally transmitted, with the following distribution: 100 cases in Baiyun District, 67 in Panyu District, 46 in Liwan District, 35 in Huadu District, 34 in Haizhu District, 32 in Tianhe District, 26 in Yuexiu District, 9 in Zengcheng District, 6 in Nansha District, 3 in Huangpu District, and 2 in Conghua District.

According to public information on the Guangzhou government website, by the end of 2022, Guangzhou consisted of 11 districts.

Based on the information released by the Guangzhou CDC, as of October 14, dengue fever outbreaks had been reported in areas of 143 streets and towns across all 11 districts. This indicates that most of the city’s streets and towns are now affected by dengue fever, with the outbreak spreading citywide.

According to Guangzhou Daily, dengue fever is an acute infectious disease caused by the dengue virus and is transmitted through bites from the Aedes mosquito. The main sources of infection include dengue patients, asymptomatic carriers, and virus-carrying primates. While most people are susceptible to the disease, some may not show symptoms (known as asymptomatic carriers).

After being infected with dengue fever, patients experience intense pain, leading to the disease being commonly referred to as "breakbone fever."

The incubation period for dengue fever is typically 1 to 14 days, with most cases appearing between 5 to 8 days. Both symptomatic patients and asymptomatic carriers are the primary sources of transmission. Patients are contagious from one day before the onset of symptoms to five days after symptoms appear.

Additionally, some individuals infected with the dengue virus may not show symptoms, but the virus remains in their blood, and they can still transmit the virus to others through Aedes mosquitoes.

Early identification is crucial for dengue fever patients, as the early symptoms are often easily confused with those of the common cold.

Doctor: 50% of Fever Patients Are Infected with Dengue Fever

According to a report by Southern Metropolis Daily on October 16, Peng Jie, Director of the Center for Difficult Infection Treatment at Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, stated that currently, about 50 out of every 100 fever patients are diagnosed with dengue fever. He warned that these patients should be particularly cautious.

Peng Jie mentioned that the number of patients testing positive for dengue virus among fever patients in outpatient clinics has significantly increased. In September, 10 to 15 out of every 100 fever patients tested positive for dengue. Currently, 40 to 50 patients out of 100 are testing positive for the virus. He emphasized that anyone experiencing fever, headache, or muscle aches should first consider the possibility of dengue infection and undergo screening for the dengue virus.

Peng Jie also pointed out that patients with underlying health conditions, the elderly, pregnant women, infants, and those with a second dengue infection are high-risk groups, as they are more likely to develop severe dengue fever.

Typical Symptoms of Dengue Fever

The classic symptoms of dengue fever include "high fever, three pains, three reds" + rash.

  • High Fever: Sudden high fever (above 40°C);
  • Three Pains: Intense headache, severe joint pain, and muscle aches.
  • Three Reds: Red face, Red Neck, Red Chest
  • Rash: Congestive rash or petechial hemorrhagic rash appears on the limbs, torso, or head and face.

Currently, there is no specific antiviral medication for dengue fever. Treatment focuses on controlling pain, timely fluid replacement, preventing bleeding, and mosquito isolation as early as possible.

A Guangdong-based blogger, "Ruizhi Kaixin Guo," stated that Guangzhou is severely affected by the dengue fever outbreak, with Guangzhou and surrounding areas facing challenges. The dengue fever epidemic threatens public health, disrupts the economy and social order, and puts the public health system under strain.

He noted that since there is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever, the main approach involves supportive and symptomatic treatment. In general, patients should rest in bed, eat a light diet, and remain in mosquito isolation until their fever subsides and symptoms improve. Adequate hydration is essential to prevent dehydration.

Editor: Li Renhe