How high does a fever need to be to become dangerous for adults. What are the symptoms of a high-grade fever. When should you seek medical attention for a fever. What causes dangerous fever levels in adults.

Understanding Fever: Definition and Significance

Fever is a common physiological response to various health conditions, characterized by an elevation in body temperature. While often a sign that the immune system is actively combating an infection, fevers can sometimes reach dangerous levels that require immediate medical attention.

A normal body temperature typically ranges from 97.7°F to 99.5°F (36.5°C to 37.5°C), with 98.6°F (37°C) considered the average. Temperatures above this range are classified as fevers, with varying degrees of severity:

• Low-grade fever: 100.4°F to 102.2°F (38°C to 39°C)
• Moderate-grade fever: 102.2°F to 104°F (39°C to 40°C)
• High-grade fever: Above 104°F (40°C)

At what point does a fever become dangerous for adults? Generally, a temperature above 103°F (39.4°C) is considered high-grade and potentially dangerous, especially if accompanied by severe symptoms. However, fevers reaching 106.1°F (41.2°C) or higher are extremely dangerous and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.

Common Causes of Dangerous Fever Levels

High-grade fevers in adults can be triggered by various factors, ranging from infections to environmental conditions. Understanding these causes can help in identifying potential health risks and seeking appropriate medical care.

Infectious Causes

Many dangerous fevers are caused by infections, including:

• Viral infections (e.g., influenza, COVID-19)
• Bacterial infections (e.g., pneumonia, sepsis)
• Fungal infections
• Parasitic infections (e.g., malaria)

Non-Infectious Causes

High fevers can also result from non-infectious conditions, such as:

• Heat exhaustion or heatstroke
• Certain medications or drug reactions
• Autoimmune disorders
• Thyroid storm (severe hyperthyroidism)
• Malignant hyperthermia (rare reaction to anesthesia)

How do these various factors lead to dangerous fever levels? In most cases, they trigger the release of pyrogens – substances that stimulate the body’s thermoregulatory center in the brain, resulting in an elevated body temperature.

Recognizing Symptoms of High-Grade Fevers

Identifying the symptoms associated with high-grade fevers is crucial for timely intervention. While low-grade fevers may cause mild discomfort, dangerous fever levels often present with more severe manifestations.

Symptoms of Low to Moderate Fevers

• Chills and sweating
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration

Symptoms of High-Grade Fevers

As the fever progresses to dangerous levels, more severe symptoms may emerge:

• Extreme sweating
• Severe headache
• Confusion or delirium
• Hallucinations
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

Can high-grade fevers cause long-term damage? If left untreated, dangerously high fevers can lead to complications such as organ damage, brain injury, or even death. This underscores the importance of recognizing these symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Fever

Knowing when to consult a healthcare professional is crucial in managing fevers and preventing potential complications. While not all fevers require medical intervention, certain situations warrant immediate attention.

General Guidelines for Adults

Seek medical care if you experience:

• A fever of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher
• A fever lasting more than three days
• A fever accompanied by severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe headache
• A fever with signs of dehydration (e.g., dark urine, dizziness)
• A fever in conjunction with a chronic medical condition (e.g., heart disease, diabetes)

Emergency Situations

Immediate medical attention is necessary if you or someone else experiences:

• A fever above 105°F (40.6°C)
• Fever accompanied by confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness
• Fever with a stiff neck and severe headache (possible signs of meningitis)
• Fever in conjunction with a rash that doesn’t blanch when pressed

How quickly should you seek medical care for a dangerous fever? In emergency situations, it’s crucial to get medical help as soon as possible, ideally within an hour of onset of severe symptoms.

Treatment Approaches for High-Grade Fevers

The treatment of high-grade fevers focuses on addressing the underlying cause while managing symptoms and preventing complications. The approach may vary depending on the severity of the fever and associated symptoms.

Home Care for Mild to Moderate Fevers

For fevers below 103°F (39.4°C) without severe symptoms, home care may be sufficient:

• Rest and hydration
• Over-the-counter fever reducers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
• Cool compresses or lukewarm baths
• Light, breathable clothing

Medical Interventions for High-Grade Fevers

Dangerous fever levels often require professional medical care:

• Intravenous fluids for hydration
• Prescription medications to address the underlying cause (e.g., antibiotics for bacterial infections)
• Cooling blankets or ice packs for rapid temperature reduction
• Monitoring of vital signs and organ function
• In severe cases, intensive care unit admission may be necessary

What is the most effective way to reduce a dangerous fever? While over-the-counter medications can help lower body temperature, addressing the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment of high-grade fevers.

Preventing Dangerous Fever Levels

While not all fevers can be prevented, certain measures can reduce the risk of developing dangerous fever levels or complications from existing fevers.

General Prevention Strategies

• Practice good hygiene (e.g., regular handwashing)
• Stay up-to-date with vaccinations
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle to support immune function
• Avoid exposure to extreme heat or engaging in strenuous activities in hot weather
• Be cautious with medications and follow dosage instructions carefully

Managing Existing Fevers

To prevent a mild fever from progressing to dangerous levels:

• Monitor temperature regularly
• Stay hydrated
• Rest and avoid overexertion
• Use fever-reducing medications as directed
• Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist

How can you effectively monitor fever progression at home? Using a reliable thermometer and keeping a log of temperature readings and associated symptoms can help track fever progression and guide decisions about seeking medical care.

Special Considerations for High-Risk Groups

Certain populations are more vulnerable to developing dangerous fever levels or experiencing complications from high-grade fevers. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for appropriate management and timely intervention.

Elderly Adults

Older adults may be more susceptible to dangerous fever levels due to:

• Weakened immune systems
• Chronic health conditions
• Reduced ability to regulate body temperature
• Increased risk of dehydration

For elderly individuals, even a mild fever (100.4°F or 38°C) may warrant medical attention, especially if accompanied by confusion or other concerning symptoms.

Immunocompromised Individuals

People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV/AIDS, are at higher risk for severe infections and dangerous fever levels. They should seek medical care for any fever above 100.4°F (38°C).

Pregnant Women

High fevers during pregnancy can pose risks to both the mother and the developing fetus. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider for any fever above 101°F (38.3°C).

Why are these groups more vulnerable to dangerous fever levels? Factors such as reduced immune function, altered physiological responses, and potential complications related to underlying health conditions contribute to increased risk in these populations.

Long-Term Effects of Recurrent High-Grade Fevers

While most fevers resolve without long-lasting effects, recurrent or prolonged high-grade fevers can potentially lead to various health complications. Understanding these risks emphasizes the importance of proper fever management and addressing underlying causes.

Potential Long-Term Consequences

• Neurological effects: Repeated high fevers may increase the risk of febrile seizures, especially in children, and potentially impact cognitive function.
• Organ stress: Prolonged high-grade fevers can put stress on vital organs, potentially leading to long-term damage if not properly managed.
• Immune system dysregulation: Frequent high fevers may affect immune system function, potentially increasing susceptibility to future infections.
• Metabolic changes: Recurrent fevers can impact metabolism, potentially leading to muscle wasting and nutritional deficiencies if not addressed.

Managing Recurrent Fevers

For individuals experiencing frequent high-grade fevers:

• Consult with a healthcare provider to identify and address underlying causes
• Keep a detailed fever log to help identify patterns or triggers
• Follow a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include medications, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests
• Be vigilant about monitoring symptoms and seeking timely medical care when needed

How can the long-term effects of recurrent high-grade fevers be minimized? Prompt identification and treatment of underlying causes, along with appropriate fever management strategies, can help reduce the risk of long-term complications associated with frequent high fevers.

Understanding the nuances of fever management, recognizing dangerous fever levels, and knowing when to seek medical attention are crucial aspects of maintaining overall health. By staying informed and vigilant, individuals can effectively navigate the challenges posed by fevers and ensure timely intervention when necessary.

How High of a Fever Is Dangerous for Adults?

5% to 20% of the US population gets the flu every year, resulting in 31.4 million outpatient visits annually. Whether you have the flu, the coronavirus, or another illness, one of the early symptoms is often a high-grade fever.

How high of a fever is dangerous for adults? Keep reading to find out.

By knowing how to recognize the symptoms, you can visit a doctor for treatment as soon as possible. Otherwise, the cause of your fever might lead to bigger complications in the future.

Don’t wait to get the help you need. Instead, learn how to recognize dangerous fever levels with this guide. 

A Little About Fevers

A fever is an elevation in body temperature. Usually, a body temperature above 98.6 F is considered elevated. However, a fever isn’t considered significant until it reaches about 100.4 F.

How high of a fever is dangerous for adults? Another below 100.4 F is considered a low-grade fever. If you have a fever above 100. 4 F, you need to see a doctor.

Otherwise, your fever could result in delirium or convulsions. 

Possible Causes

Dangerous fever levels occur when your immune system is attacking a foreign invader, including a:

• Virus
• Bacteria
• Fungi
• Drug
• Toxin

These invaders are fever-producing substances called pyrogens that trigger your body’s immune response. Pyrogens tell your brain to increase your body temperature to fight off the infections. Common medical conditions associated with high-grade fevers include:

• Intracranial hemorrhage
• Thyroid storm
• Serotonin syndrome
• Sepsis
• Kawasaki syndrome
• Drug overdose

A fever is also a natural response to colds, flu, infections, and autoimmune disorders. 

Symptoms

You’ll likely notice different symptoms between a low-grade and high-grade fever.

For example, low-grade (pyrexia) fever symptoms include:

• Chills
• Sweats
• Headaches
• Thirst
• Low appetite
• Feeling hot
• Achy or tired eyes

An early high-grade (hyperpyrexia) fever can cause:

• Extreme sweating
• Dizziness
• Muscle cramps
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Nausea

As the fever progresses, you might experience:

• Cool, moist, pale skin
• Mold confusion
• Vomiting
• Decreased urine
• Contracted pupils

When your fever hits above 106. 1 F, it can lead to:

• Extreme confusion
• Weak, fast heartbeat
• Dilated pupils
• Seizures
• Shallow, rapid breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Hallucinations

If you’re wondering how high of a fever is dangerous for adults, a fever about 106.1 F is extremely dangerous. Seek medical attention immediately to prevent long-term consequences.

Treatment

You don’t always need to treat a low-grade fever. Remember, fevers indicate your body is fighting off an infection.

If you start to develop fever-related symptoms, however, you might want to use over-the-counter medications. These can include acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Make sure to rest and drink plenty of water.

If you develop a high-grade fever, however, the fever won’t go away until the infection is gone. Depending on the specific pathogen, you’ll likely need medical treatment.

Visit your local urgent care center right away if you develop a high-grade fever.

How High of a Fever Is Dangerous for Adults?: Know When It’s Time to See a Medical Professional

To recap, how high of a fever is dangerous for adults? If it’s above 106.1 F, it’s time to visit a medical professional.

Don’t wait to receive treatment. Contact us or just walk in to discuss your options.

When Fevers Get Dangerous | iCare

Having a fever doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to visit a doctor. In fact, a fever can be a good sign because it shows that your body is fighting an illness or infection. A low-grade fever is an essential part of the immune response, and you will often feel better in a few days.

Why Does Fever Occur?

A fever isn’t an illness – it is a symptom of another health condition. Usually, the body develops a fever in response to an infection that is occurring. The illness or disease is detected, then the immune system kicks into gear to fight the virus or bacteria. This response stimulates the body’s defenses, sending out the white blood cells that are needed for protection. Fever can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Flu
• Common cold
• Heatstroke
• Ear infections
• Pneumonia
• Sinus infection
• Internal infection
• Skin infection
• Bronchitis
• Urinary tract infections
• Blood clots
• Appendicitis
• Autoimmune diseases
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Cancer
• Hormone disorders
• Illegal drugs

Sometimes, fever is a temporary response to a specific cause. For example, young children often have a fever when teething or for a day or two after immunizations.

How Body Temperature Works

The average body temperature is 98.6 degrees F, but it is normal for the temperature to range between 97.7 degrees F and 99.5 degrees F throughout the day. For example, it is common for the body temperature to be higher in the evening compared to the morning. If the temperature goes above 99.5 degrees F, then it is considered a fever in both adults and children.

The body has built-in systems to maintain normal body temperature. Several organs affect temperature regulation, including the skin, brain, muscles, and blood vessels. If the body needs to cool down, then a few responses might occur:

• Sweat production increases to cool the skin
• Blood is moved closer to, or away from, the surface of the skin
• You feel the urge to move to a cooler environment
• Water in the body is retained or released through the sweat glands and urinary system

A fever is not the only factor that can increase body temperature. Heavy clothing, physical exertion, strong emotions, high heat and humidity, menstruation, and certain medications can increase body temperature. When you are taking a person’s temperature, check to ensure these other factors aren’t influencing the thermometer reading. For example, if a child has been running around, have them sit still for 20 minutes before using the thermometer to ensure you are getting an accurate reading.

Tips for Lowering a Fever

Just because a person has a mild fever, doesn’t mean that you need to be proactive in lowering the fever. Often, the best solution is to let the fever run its course by resting at home and staying hydrated. If you notice that the fever is increasing in severity, then these are a few things that can be done at home to see if the fever can be managed without medical treatment:

• Take a lukewarm bath (not cold water)
• Place a cool washcloth on the forehead
• Use over-the-counter acetaminophen, according to dosage directions on the package. Choose children’s brand medication for young members of your family.
• Adjust the thermostat in the house
• Remove blankets and heavy clothing
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially drinks with electrolytes to counteract the minerals lost through sweating

Even though ice baths and alcohol rubs are sometimes recommended as DIY fever treatments, these at-home methods should be avoided. Ice and alcohol rubs cause the body to shiver, which increases the internal temperature even more.

The main benefit of lowering a fever is to help the person be more comfortable, especially when they are trying to sleep at night. Additionally, body temperature regulation is essential to avoid potentially dangerous side-effects, such as seizures.

When is a Fever Dangerous?

A mild fever isn’t considered dangerous. If you or a family member has a low-grade fever with other common illness symptoms, then a few days of rest and healing at home might be just what the doctor ordered. But how do you know when it is time to seek medical attention? If the fever escalates, then it could potentially become dangerous.

These are a few signs that indicate you should seek medical attention immediately. Talk to the doctor if the fever is accompanied by:

• Bruising
• Rashes
• Difficulty breathing

Other signs that you need medical attention might include:

• You’ve recently received one or more vaccinations
• You visited another country recently
• You have a serious pre-existing condition
• A child seems confused or delirious
• A child won’t stop crying
• The person has a weakened immune system or other medical complications

Fevers in Children vs. Adults

One determining factor regarding whether medical care is needed is based on the severity of the fever and the age of the person. You should talk to a doctor when these criteria are met:

• 0 – 3 Months Old: The child has a rectal temperature at or above 100.4 degrees F
• 3 – 12 Months Old: An oral temperature reading is at or above 102.2 degrees F
• 2 Years Old – Teenage Years: If the child’s fever lasts more than 24 – 48 hours
• Adults: If the fever is above 103 degrees F and lasts more than 48 hours. Any time an adult fever reaches 105 or more, talk to a doctor right away.

Medical Treatment for Fever

Since a fever is a symptom of an underlying condition, it is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis to determine the best treatment plan. For example, antibiotics might be recommended for a bacterial infection, such as an ear infection or strep throat.

If you need medical care right away, then visiting an Urgent Care might be the most effective solution. At our clinic, you don’t have to schedule an appointment or wait for an opening. Walk-ins are welcome! Your entire family has access to fast treatment for a variety of injuries and illnesses.

Visit us anytime to access high-quality services from our board-certified medical team. We provide both urgent care services and emergency treatments. Call iCare ER and Urgent Care if you have questions about available services, or if you would like to schedule an appointment.: (214) 407-8668.

Deadly fever – analytical portal POLIT.RU

An emergency meeting of the World Health Organization on the situation around the Ebola outbreak, which has been raging in West Africa since February, has opened in Geneva. Specialists must decide how to deal with the epidemic, which, according to the latest data, has killed 932 people, and the total number of cases has exceeded 1. 7 thousand people.

The Committee will include experts from different countries. The meeting is scheduled to decide whether the rapidly developing epidemic is an emergency of international concern. During the discussion, it is also planned to take measures affecting the possibility of movement of the population of countries affected by fever, ITAR-TASS reports.

According to experts, this is the largest outbreak of a deadly epidemic in history. “The Ebola virus is a serious disease. And this is the largest outburst we’ve ever seen. During this single epidemic, more people fell ill with Ebola than in history since the discovery of the virus,” said Ben Newman, an Ebola expert at the University of Reading.

African authorities are already taking various emergency measures in response to the outbreak of a deadly fever, in particular, the President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has declared a state of emergency in the country, which came into force on August 6 and will be in effect on 90 days.

At the same time, the leader of the country addressed the citizens with a request to fast intensely and pray for deliverance from a terrible disease.

According to The Washington Post, Liberian religious leaders say the deadly fever outbreak was sent to the country’s residents as punishment for sins and wrong lifestyles. According to them, Liberians are paying the price for corruption and immorality, such as homosexuality, which continue to permeate society, and now, as true Christians, they must repent and ask for forgiveness for sins.

According to the newspaper, armed groups have already begun to appear in Liberia, who are trying to kill “in the name of Ebola.”

Previously, the Liberian authorities ordered the cremation of all the bodies of victims of the Ebola virus, as some communities banned the burial of the sick on their land. According to the Air Force, it is not customary to cremate the dead in the country, but doctors say that funeral ceremonies played a role in the spread of Ebola.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that the local population does not trust Western medicine, so an educational and propaganda campaign has been launched in Liberia and other African countries, urging residents to seek medical attention at the first sign of illness.

Liberia previously closed almost all border crossings and schools to prevent the spread of the fever. Note that in Sierra Leone, neighboring Liberia, the state of emergency has been in effect since July 31.

Photo: who.int

In addition, due to Ebola, the Sierra Leone Football Association temporarily banned all football matches. Thus, the Sierra Leone national team may not play the African Cup of Nations qualifying match with the Cameroon team, which is to be held in September, at home, R-sport notes. Earlier, a similar ban on football events was introduced in Liberia.

Meanwhile, British Airways, whose aircraft flew to West Africa four times a week, has suspended flights to Liberia and Sierra Leone until at least the end of August. Now passengers are offered to return money for tickets and rebook flights to later dates.

In addition, cases have also been identified in Nigeria, the region’s most populous country, where a second fever death was reported the day before. The infection occurred during the trips of citizens to Liberia and Guinea, so the Nigerian authorities intend to consider introducing a temporary moratorium on air travel.

In turn, the authorities of Saudi Arabia on the eve announced a possible death of their citizen from Ebola. The man returned from a trip to Sierra Leone with symptoms of a fatal illness and died in a hospital in Jeddah. If his diagnosis is confirmed, it will be the first death of the current outbreak outside of Africa, Vedomosti notes. Earlier, Saudi Arabia decided not to issue hajj visas to citizens of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea due to the outbreak of fever.

In addition, Spanish preacher Miguel Pajares, who worked in one of the local hospitals, contracted the deadly virus in Liberia. On the morning of August 7, he was taken to Madrid for treatment. According to media reports, Pajares became the first person infected with Ebola who was taken from Africa to Europe. Two U.S. citizens who contracted Ebola in Liberia and were then flown home while responding positively to treatment after being injected with an experimental serum.

The Ebola epidemic began in February 2014 in Guinea, from where the virus spread to neighboring Sierra Leone and Liberia. Around the world, security measures are now being strengthened, especially at airports where thousands of passengers arrive, including from African countries. Russian experts say that the probability of getting a fever into Russia is close to zero, since strict sanitary control is always carried out at our checkpoints, Channel One reports.

According to Anton Buzanakov, press attache of the Russian Embassy in Guinea, which also operates in Sierra Leone, there are about 300 Russian citizens in the two countries, mostly employees of the embassy and employees of the Russian company Rusal, operating in the territory Nigeria. Most of them have already turned to the embassy doctor for advice on the necessary sanitary security measures during the outbreak of fever, Izvestia reports.

In addition, strict sanitary control measures have been introduced for employees of the Russian diplomatic mission, for example, they can go to the city only on official business.

Western specialists intend to help African countries cope with the spread of the disease. In particular, the US plans to send at least 50 health experts to Africa within a month to fight the virus. In addition, next week, WHO experts intend to hold a meeting at which the issue of the admissibility of an experimental treatment for Ebola should be decided. It should be noted that since March 2014, about 250 employees of the International Red Cross have been working in Guinea, Nigeria and Liberia.

In addition, Western countries also provided material assistance to the victims. A few days ago, the World Bank made a decision to allocate $200 million to the authorities of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone. These funds will have to help localize the source of infection.

Ebola symptoms include high fever, bleeding, and central nervous system damage. The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days. The virus is spread by contact with the blood and other secretions of an infected person. It is especially dangerous to touch the body of a person who has died of a fever. Please note that there is currently no vaccine or cure for Ebola. The death rate from this disease is about 90%, however, with early treatment, the chances of patients to survive increase. Among the sick in West Africa, the mortality rate is kept at 55%.

New deadly fever in India made Russians scared of mosquitoes

08/31/2021 at 16:53

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In India, a new deadly attack. Since mid-August, the population of Uttar Pradesh has been decimated by a fever of unknown origin: almost 70 people have died here in a week, of which 40 are children. As a result, for the time being, they decided to suspend the education of schoolchildren. According to the latest version, this is an outbreak – dengue fever, carried by mosquitoes. “MK” found out whether this is possible in Russia and what “surprises” can be expected from mosquitoes.

Photo: pixabay.com

That an unknown Indian fever may be already known to the world Dengue fever, Deputy Secretary of State for Health Amit Mohan Prasad told the media. This is not yet certain as the epidemiological investigation has not been completed.

The symptoms are really similar to Dengue – a sharp rise in temperature, dehydration, a sharp decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. True, some moments are embarrassing. Usually, dengue fever causes deaths only if a person has contracted it for the fourth time (the same antibody-dependent increase in infection effect that has been long and, fortunately, unsuccessfully sought in the new coronavirus is triggered). Since there are many children among the victims of Indian fever, it seems doubtful that they have met this virus for the fourth time.

Dengue virus is carried by mosquitoes, and for them now in the state of Uttar Pradesh there are excellent conditions – hot and humid. Of course, such mosquitoes, if desired, can survive in Russia, however, as Rospotrebnadzor has already stated, there is no risk of a new fever getting to us.

First, India is far away. Secondly, in Russia, all water bodies are regularly treated – primarily in order to prevent the spread of mosquitoes, which carry another dangerous infection with bites – malaria. Its outbreaks sometimes happen in our country, although our country is not included in the list of endemic either for malaria or for Dengue fever (this list includes Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Angola, other countries of Asia and Africa). However, in the absence of urgent highly effective treatment for malaria, serious complications and deaths are possible.

As the well-known infectious disease specialist Nikolai Malyshev told MK, although rarely, mosquitoes carrying tropical infections get into Russia: malaria. True, then everything worked out. And a few years ago we had “airport malaria”: border guards in the Moscow region became infected. For a long time they could not understand where we got tropical malaria from. After this incident, flights began to be processed. And if we turn to history, then in the 30s of the last century, malaria near Moscow did not subside due to the active construction of reservoirs.

Mosquitoes can also tolerate a host of other unpleasant things. For example, West Nile . Just the other day, MK wrote about cases of the strange death of birds, in which experts suspect symptoms of this particular fever. In 2010, its outbreak was in the Saratov region, including among people.

Recently, representatives of Rospotrebnadzor officially announced that mosquitoes carrying WNV may appear in Russia in autumn. The reason for this is the abundance of precipitation, as well as the predicted warm and protracted autumn – everything, as such bloodsuckers love. Symptoms of West Nile fever are fever, severe headache, and muscle pain. In severe cases, meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and acute flaccid paralysis may develop.

“We are seeing a sharp increase in cases of West Nile fever, with a mortality rate of 10% – just like smallpox. In Texas, a state of emergency was even declared a few years ago due to an outbreak of WNV. The virus is African, most likely, it was brought to the United States in the holds of ships along with mosquitoes, ”says Dmitry Lvov, Russian virologist, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Of the known infections carried by mosquitoes in recent years, one can also name the Zika virus, but, fortunately, such mosquitoes did not reach Russia. All cases of the disease in Europe and in Russia are imported. The fact is that mosquitoes of the Aedes genus that carry this virus do not live in our climatic conditions, and the disease is not transmitted in any other way. The World Health Organization recognized the Zika virus as a global threat in February 2016. Vaccines and medicines against Zika virus is still missing. However, this disease is dangerous only for pregnant women, because it increases the risk of having children with pathologies of brain development.

Lately, says Dr. Malyshev, we are increasingly seeing infections that are not very typical for us: “Insects can carry worm eggs. And it happens that mosquitoes with bites also transmit parasites – dirofilaria. A very dangerous disease is developing – dirofilariasis , which affects both dogs and people.

Parasitologists make no secret of the fact that today they don’t even have ideas about the prospects for diagnosing and treating this disease, which is transmitted by ordinary mosquitoes. Previously, it was believed that a person can become only an accidental host of this parasite (it was found mainly in dogs, to which it was transmitted from mosquitoes). Now it’s obvious: mosquitoes don’t care who they bite. Whether it’s a dog or a person. And these mosquitoes are the most common. Living, including in Moscow and the Moscow region.

A few years ago, infectious disease specialists compiled a map of the Moscow Region regions with the most dangerous bloodsuckers (which included the Naro-Fominsk, Shatursky, Volokolamsk regions), but now it has become obvious that such a bloodsucker can sting anywhere – even in Moscow itself. There is a known case when, for example, dirofilaria was found in a 76-year-old Muscovite who did not go anywhere. The situation with the treatment of dirofilariasis is no less depressing. The standard and popular antiparasitic agents that we sell do not work on them in most cases. Parasites can live for years under the skin, in the eyelids, in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and genitals.

In addition, in our area mosquitoes carry tularemia – an acute bacterial infection. It causes conjunctivitis, tonsillitis, inflammation of the lymph nodes. Most often, people become infected during recreation, fishing, when leaving for summer cottages in the territories of Moscow (Ruzsky, Sergiev Posad regions), Nizhny Novgorod regions and Chuvashia, which are unfavorable for tularemia. The main route of transmission of tularemia (90%) is transmissible, with bites of blood-sucking insects (mosquitoes, horseflies).

According to Nikolai Malyshev, Japanese mosquito encephalitis , which can cause a deep cerebral coma, from which people, if they come out, are profoundly disabled

“We must remember that mosquitoes carry a lot of unpleasant and terrible infections. The only way to prevent infection is to avoid being attacked by mosquitoes. Therefore, you need to take care of preventive measures, especially in exotic countries – use repellents, nets on windows. In hotels, do not open windows if they are not equipped with mosquito nets, use air conditioning. And, of course, if you feel unwell, immediately contact the doctors, ”says Nikolai Malyshev.

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Authors:

• Ekaterina Pichugina

Rospotrebnadzor
Russia
India
Sochi
US

Published in the Moskovsky Komsomolets newspaper No. 28614 dated September 1, 2021

Newspaper headline:
The nightmare of the nose will not undermine

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