Sexually Transmitted Dengue Fever: World's First Case Reported In Spain

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Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV) and spread by the Aedes mosquitoes. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) around 400 million people are infected with dengue every year, globally ^[1]

When a person is bitten by the mosquito carrying the virus, it usually takes 4-6 days for the symptoms to appear. High fever, persistent headaches, pain behind the eyes and muscle and joint pain are the usual symptoms.

In a shocking new revelation, health experts have confirmed the world's first case of dengue transmitted through sexual contact.

First Case of Sexually Transmitted Dengue Confirmed

Spain authorities have confirmed the first case of sexually transmitted dengue. According to the health ministry officials in Madrid, this is the first case of sexual transmission of the dengue virus described in Europe and also the first case reported in men who have sex with men ^[2]

The reports have indeed contributed towards elevating the risk levels of this disease, making it even more of a threat than previously anticipated. The sexually transmitted dengue was reported in a 41-year-old man who had contracted dengue after having sex with his male partner who picked up the virus from a mosquito bite during a trip to Cuba.

Dengue spreading through sexual contact is a first. The doctors were able to link the disease to that of sexual contact because the individual had not travelled to a region in which dengue fever was present ^[3] .

As the cause of the condition was not understood, the doctors carried out an analysis of the patient's sperm, which revealed that not only did they have dengue but that it was the same virus which circulates in Cuba.

"In this particular case, once we became aware of this infection, entomological surveillance actions were carried out near the places frequented by both patients, finding no indication of the presence of said mosquito."

Another case of the sexually transmitted disease was reported in South Korea, earlier this year. It was suspected that the disease was spread through female-to-male sexual transmission. However, there was no confirmation on this ^[4] .

Scientists Expect Prominent Rise In Dengue Cases, Links It To Climate Change

Studies have pointed out that there is a high possibility of an increasing number of dengue cases in the next sixty years. Dengue is expected to become one of the most prevalent diseases globally. Scientists have linked to the increasing number with that of the breeding populations of Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector of the disease. In recent times, there have been reports in the elevation of Aedes aegypti population, which has been linked to climate change ^{[5] [6]} .

Sexual Transmission Unlikely To Become A Common Means Of Transmission

Although the Spanish health authorities have announced sexual transmission of dengue, it is highly unlikely that it is considered to become a common means of transmission. The researchers have supported this claim through the assertion that, if the sexual transmission were to be considered a common cause of transmission, there would have been more and frequent documentation in areas of frequent transmission ^[7] .

However, the researchers also pointed out that there could be cases of sexual transmission of dengue in countries like India and Africa, but could be simply attributed to mosquito bites - linking it to the high population of mosquitoes in these countries ^[8] .

On A Final Note...

The potential for a new means of transmission of the disease has caused an alarming response. There is a need for further extensive research, which are currently underway. So that such transmission of the disease is a common occurrence can be controlled and managed.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.