THE EDITOR: There have been several calls recently – in the media and elsewhere – for the Government to treat with dengue in a manner similar to the approach taken with covid19, starting with it being declared a health emergency.

While dengue and covid19 are both significant public health concerns, they differ in several key aspects that affect how they are perceived and managed as health emergencies. Here are some reasons why dengue is not considered on the same level – health emergency – as covid19:

1.

Transmission mode

Dengue: Transmission is vector-borne, meaning it requires the Aedes aegypti mosquito as a vector.

Covid19: Spread primarily through respiratory droplets from person to person, making it much easier to transmit, especially in densely populated areas.

2.

Global impact and spread

Dengue: Endemic in tropical and subtropical regions, affecting specific geographical areas. The spread is limited by the presence of the Aedes mosquito.

Covid19: Pandemic with a global reach, affecting virtually every country regardless of climate. The virus can spread rapidly across continents due to human travel and interaction.

3.

Severity and mortality rates

Dengue: While serious and potentially fatal, especially dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome, the overall mortality rate is relatively low with proper medical care.

Covid19: Higher mortality rate, particularly among the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. The potential for severe respiratory complications and long-term effects (long covid) adds to its severity.

4.

Healthcare system strain

Dengue: Although it can strain healthcare systems during outbreaks, the impact is generally localised. Effective vector control and public health measures can mitigate outbreaks.

Covid19: Overwhelmed healthcare systems globally, leading to shortages of ICU beds, ventilators and medical staff. The high number of severe cases and prolonged hospital stays have caused significant strain.

5.

Economic and social disruption

Dengue: Causes localised economic impact, particularly in tourism and healthcare costs, but does not typically require widespread economic shutdowns.

Covid19: Major global economic and social disruption, including lockdowns, travel restrictions and changes in everyday life. The economic fallout has been severe and far-reaching.

6.

Global co-ordination and response

Dengue: Managed primarily by affected countries, focusing on vector control and public health measures.

Covid19: Massive global response involving unprecedented international collaboration.

Conclusion

While dengue is a serious public health issue, the rapid transmission, higher mortality rate, and extensive global impact of covid19 have made it a more pressing health emergency.

The differences in transmission modes, global spread and economic disruption explain why covid19 requires a response marked by a higher level of urgency.

Not to be lost in the rush is the irony that some of the same voices calling for a shutdown in 2024 are