TEHRAN: Iran’s Health Ministry has confirmed 178 cases of dengue fever across the country over the past five months, with 38 of these cases involving individuals who have not traveled abroad, heightening concerns about the spread of this mosquito-borne disease across the country.
According to the Health Ministry’s report, a significant majority of the confirmed dengue cases involved persons with a history of international travel.
The report highlights that the southern and southeastern provinces of Hormozgan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Khuzestan, and Bushehr are currently under red alert for the presence of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are known vectors for dengue fever. These areas are experiencing heightened surveillance and preventive measures due to the risk posed by this mosquito species.
Furthermore, the northern and northwestern provinces of Golestan, Gilan, Mazandaran, and Ardabil have been identified as areas with Aedes albopictus, commonly referred to as the tiger mosquito or forest mosquito. This mosquito species is another potential transmitter of dengue fever, contributing to the disease’s spread.
Dengue fever, a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes, is characterized by symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, body aches, nausea, and rash. In more severe cases, it can lead to hemorrhagic manifestations, which can be life-threatening.
The spread of dengue fever in Iran underscores the need for increased public health measures and mosquito control efforts. Mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus thrive in environments close to human habitats, where they can easily pick up and transmit the virus.
