Dengue, an endemic and epidemic viral disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, is known for being the most significant arbovirus disease worldwide in terms of morbidity. These mosquitoes have developed adaptations to survive in urban and suburban environments, establishing close coexistence with humans in increasingly densely populated areas. Their ability to adapt is mainly manifested in high temperature areas and in the rainy season, when they reproduce in stagnant waters.1
The origin or resurgence of dengue is attributed to the combination of various determining factors that facilitate the presence of the mosquito vector in the environment. These factors include changes in rainfall patterns due to climate change, limitations in vector control programmes, limited availability of drinking water, population growth and rapid urbanisation, inadequate waste management, shortages of healthcare personnel and population movements from one region to another.2,3
The article "Rapid diagnostic tests for dengue would reduce hospitalizations, healthcare costs and antibiotic prescriptions in Spain: A cost-effectiveness analysis"4 argues that the introduction of rapid diagnostic tests for dengue would allow faster and more accurate identification of cases, which would facilitate timely and targeted treatment. The increased speed would make it possible for immediate local interventions, reducing the likelihood of outbreaks. In addition, it would avoid unnecessary treatments by differentiating dengue from similar diseases, thus contributing to the control of virus transmission. Early detection would also help drive the promotion of preventive measures in the community, strengthening public health and encouraging preventive practices. This measure would not only contribute to alleviating the hospital burden, but could also have a positive impact on the efficiency of the healthcare system by optimising resources and improving care for patients affected by this disease.5,6
For this reason, I believe it is crucial to reinforce the care provided in primary healthcare, reserving hospitals for the most serious cases of dengue. Unfortunately, the lower levels of healthcare have been neglected for years and even more so in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.7
In this regard, there are proposals for the implementation of education strategies and policies supported by both governments and the media in endemic tropical regions.8 This approach should start from the earliest stages of school, enabling children to acquire knowledge and disseminate information from a young age. In these initial stages, playful educational tools such as stories and drawings depicting images of dengue symptoms can be used. At primary school, activities such as word searches and crossword puzzles related to the disease could be incorporated. For secondary school, training, orientation talks, field practice and role-plays with invented situations are suggested. Finally, at the level of higher education, interventions should aim to strengthen students’ knowledge, with an emphasis on raising awareness about the importance of primary prevention.9,10
Health promotion, as a key function of public health, generates an undeniable impact by promoting the perspective of addressing problems in comprehensive terms, involving the population in a joint and integrated way.
In summary, the problem of the dengue epidemic is complex, not only because of its magnitude, but also because of the various elements that have to be taken into account to control it. These elements are changing due to exclusionary policies and changes in social, economic, and even cultural aspects.
Ethical considerationsInformed consent was not required because the information was collected from secondary sources.
FundingThere were no sources of either public or private funding for this work.
Conflicts of interestThe author has no conflicts of interest to declare.
