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Dengue fever is a virus that is spread by the Aedes aegypti, a mosquito
that bites during the day and prefers to feed on humans. The global
distribution of dengue fever is believed to be as widespread as that
of malaria, with more than two billion people living in regions at risk
for dengue. The World Health Organization estimates that
50 to 100 million cases of dengue fever occur each year.
Across Southeast Asia, Africa, South America and throughout the world's
tropical regions, the risk of dengue fever distribution
is a serious problem. Southeast Asia and
the Western Pacific are the most seriously
affected regions. Illness from dengue fever can
range from a nonspecific virus to fatal
hemorrhagic disease, and also, like malaria,
children suffer the most dengue-related
fatalities.
Controlling the spread of dengue is critical, as there is no vaccine to
prevent it. Therefore, the challenge of dengue must shift from trying to
treat it to trying to prevent its spread to humans. ABATE® larvicide
and FENDONA® insecticide are
important tools for the control of the dengue virus. BASF is
currently working to coordinate distribution of these products to at-risk
regions worldwide and also educate individuals
on the proper use and treatment of insect nets. The impact of a coordinated
program has been shown to significantly reduce the disease in
treated communities around the world.
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