Dengue

According to the World Health Organization (2013), “Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection...” Dengue can become “severe dengue” aka dengue fever. This is when an individual experiences flu-like symptoms. At this stage, the virus can become deadly (WHO, 2013). Dengue is generally common in tropical and sub-tropical regions such as the Philippines and Thailand. Populations in these areas are at most risk for contracting the dengue virus. Specifically, those living in rural areas are at most risk due to the lack of tap water available to them. Rural areas are also more likely to have water vessels which contain still or standing water. Mosquitoes thrive in a damp and hot environment. This kind of environment is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitos (Science Daily, 2011). 

Worldwide, dengue has affected 40% (2.5 billion) of the world’s population (WHO, 2013). There is a high incidence rate of dengue in the Philippines. From January to October 2012, there was a total of 132,046 cases of dengue in the Philippines alone (World Health Organization, Western Pacific Region [WPRO], 2013). This virus is commonly found in children, ages 1-10. Most of the children develop symptoms of dengue, but rarely die from the virus. Dengue relates to the Philippines because the Philippines has the weather where dengue survives best in. 

VECTOR

The vector for dengue are mosquitoes. Specifically, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. After the mosquito bites a person with a large amount of the virus in his/her system, the incubation starts in the mosquito. This will take 8-12 days and then the dengue virus will become transmissible. In rare cases, the virus can be transmitted through organ and blood transplants with infected donors.

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Dengue is not an infectious disease as it is spread by mosquitoes.

STIGMA

There is some stigma of tropical countries, such as the Philippines, having exotic diseases like dengue. Tourists may choose to go somewhere else for a vacation due to diseases and viruses like dengue. Some businesses are afraid to be stigmatized with having the virus because it will detract business.

Disease Burden

According to the Dengue Vaccine Initiative (DVI, 2013), the World Health Organization currently estimates there may be 50 million dengue infections worldwide every year, and when one contracts dengue, they are ill enough not to go to work, school, and contribute to society and the economy. In rare cases, dengue can cause death, which in itself can put a burden and cost on society.

GOVERNMENTALITY

An example of  governmentality for dengue is how people buy mosquito repellant and use it when traveling or hiking. The specific repellant bought is one which contains the ingredient deet as this is the most effective in repelling mosquitoes. A personal example would be using mosquitos nets while sleeping in the Philippines. This is a preventative measure used by many who are living in rural areas.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Dengue. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/Dengue/

Dengue Vaccine Initiative. (2013). Disease burden. Retrieved from http://www.denguevaccines.org/disease-burden

New York Times. (2010). Dengue fever? What about it, key west says. Retrieved from: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/24/health/24dengue.html?_r=0

World Health Organization. (2013). Dengue. Retrieved from: http://www.who.int/topics/dengue/en/

World Health Organization, Western Pacific Region. (2013). Dengue in the Philippines. Retrieved from: http://www.wpro.who.int/philippines/areas/communicable_diseases/dengue/continuation_dengue_area_page/en/index.html