It’s monsoonal season again and this means afternoon to evenings with rain, cooler breezes and end to some of the heat of the dry season (except the humidity is still going up and down). But one of the less joyous things of the season is mosquitoes, which are becoming more active and dangerous as some carry sicknesses, like dengue fever, that infect unknowing people.
Dengue fever is sadly an all too familiar in these tropical countries, especially with people having so little education or knowledge and resources to prevent the spread of this disease. There are no vaccines to be given out, so prevention from getting bitten by the stripped “tiger” mozzie is the best cure.
Prevention methods include reducing the habitats (like uncovered still water), using mosquito nets when resting, wearing long shirts and pants and applying the aerogard (DEET filled and you can just feel the skin burn).
Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains and also a characteristic skin rash. The time between the mozzie bite and the falling ill can range from 3-14 days but most cases the symptoms star between 4-7 days. At its most server it can cause bleeding, low levels of blood platelets (causing the blood not to clot properly) and blood plasma leakage.
Treatments are rest and rehydration, or in more serve cases IVs are used and blood transfusions. However, prevention is far better than treatment.
Funding is needed for the prevention methods to be put in place and this year the dengue fever has hit early and quickly within Cambodia. Eleven deaths have already been reported (compared to only 7 deaths last year) and the season has only just begun. The finances are tight and have not been released to the appropriate organisations to set up prevention methods, so the nation is heading into this season rather under prepared.
The number of cases of dengue fever is growing each year in these tropical countries where many of the worlds poorest live. Below is a picture of the nations that were affected by dengue in 2010.
Now here is a map of the 10/40 window, the most unreached people who have not heard about Jesus.
Can you see the similarities with these two maps? It is a reality that the neediest parts of the world are the most unreached. These people need help and support, physically, spiritually and emotionally. Bandaid curses don’t work, the need goes deeper. Prayer is needed, funding is needed, and people willing to go are needed. The needs may be great but each little bit of help can make a difference if we work together, for the Lord, we will see change.
Below are two links of articles written about dengue fever in Cambodia. Look them up if you are interested in finding out more.
http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/cambodia-dengue-officials-brace-for-nightmare-season
http://141repellent.wordpress.com/2011/06/20/cambodia-launches-campaign-to-mark-national-day-against-dengue/
