Prioritizing mosquito-borne diseases during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
10.5365/wpsar.2020.11.3.017
- Author:
Shahmshad Ahmed Khan
1
;
Cameron Ewart Webb
2
;
Nur Faeza Abu Kassim
3
Author Information
1. Department of Entomology, Faculty of Crop and Food Sciences, Pir Mehr Ali Shah (PMAS) Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Shamsabad, Pakistan
2. Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
3. 129 Medical Entomology Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response
2021;12(2):40-41
- CountryWHO-WPRO
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The world is facing serious health and economic threats from the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The burden of disease has been significant, with tens of millions of cases and more than 1.5 million deaths reported globally.1 Since its emergence in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, COVID-19 has spread around the world, affecting almost all countries. COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease that is spread by direct contact and respiratory droplets, and patients can be infective while presymptomatic or asymptomatic.2 To reduce opportunities for transmission, most developed countries have implemented lockdowns, causing significant social and economic disruption. Mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue, are a substantial burden in many countries, especially those with developing economies. Malaria is the most significant mosquito-borne disease, with about 228 million cases reported in 2018 and 231 million in 2017, and 405 000 deaths in 2018 and 416 000 in 2017.3 Dengue is the most commonly reported arboviral disease internationally, with Asia suffering a significant disease burden.4 In countries facing endemic and epidemic malaria and dengue, disruption to government services (in health and non-health sectors) and to public health services could severely impact the ability to implement strategic responses to mosquito-borne diseases. As of 30 June 2020, all malaria-endemic countries in Asia had confirmed cases of COVID-19, and those with developing economies face a particularly serious threat to malaria control efforts. In these countries, local authorities responsible for malaria and dengue control must make strategic preparations for continuing with control measures, both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Full text:wpsar 2020.11.3.017-KHAN FINAL.pdf
