On October 15, the Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported a significant rise in dengue fever cases within the city. From October 7 to October 13 alone, there have been 437 new reported cases, an alarming increase of 185 cases compared to the previous week, marking a 73.41% rise. The report noted three new severe cases, but fortunately, no fatalities have been recorded.

Breaking down the numbers, local infections accounted for 360 cases, with the highest numbers reported from Baiyun District (100 cases), Panyu District (67), and Liwan District (46). Additionally, there were 77 imported cases, primarily from Haizhu District (29), Yuexiu District (16), and Conghua District (9).

Dengue fever is an acute infectious disease caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted through bites from Aedes mosquitoes. It’s important to note that the primary carriers of the virus include dengue patients, asymptomatic carriers, and non-human primates that harbor the virus. Most people are susceptible to infection, although some may remain asymptomatic.

Currently, Guangdong Province is experiencing a peak season for dengue fever. The risk of outbreaks escalates in areas with higher densities of Aedes mosquitoes. Since May of this year, various regions in Guangdong have been reporting local cases of the disease.

To effectively prevent dengue fever, avoiding mosquito bites is crucial. One of the essential methods for mosquito control is eliminating standing water, as it is the breeding ground for mosquitoes.

As of October 14, areas such as Jiahe Street and Tonghe Street in Baiyun District, as well as Nancun Town and Dashijie in Panyu District, along with Xinhua Street and Huacheng Street in Huadu District, are actively addressing the dengue outbreak due to identified risks of transmission. Residents are advised to take preventive measures.

The Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention urges anyone who has traveled to countries or regions experiencing dengue outbreaks in the past two weeks, or anyone living in neighborhoods with reported cases, to monitor for symptoms such as fever, rash, and muscle or joint pain. If these symptoms arise, it’s advised to seek medical attention promptly at a reputable hospital, undergo appropriate dengue testing, and take measures to prevent mosquito bites to curb the spread of the virus.