As the Paris Olympics commence, Europe is buzzing with summer tourists, and the street scenes come alive, there is a heightened level of vigilance against viral diseases. In early July, the Agence régionale de santé (ARS) d'Occitanie (the Occitanie regional health agency) declared the first case of locally transmitted dengue this year, near the French city of Montpellier.
In this edition of IslandWatch, we continue to bring you crucial updates on the rise in dengue fever cases and other mosquito-related health concerns. From New York's surge to Mumbai's battle with multiple monsoon diseases, it's clear that vigilance and preventive measures are more important than ever.
Furthermore, recent findings suggest that a dengue infection may increase the risk of severe COVID-19, emphasising the need for comprehensive health measures. In positive news, a Singaporean Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme is exploring potential strategies to suppress the Aedes mosquito population, using Wolbachia, a naturally-occurring bacteria.
Stay informed and take action to protect yourself and your community. Cameron Webb, Clinical Associate Professor and Principal Hospital Scientist from the University of Sydney has offered some suggestions to keep in mind ahead of travelling to areas where dengue is on the rise.
Dengue Live Map, as of 25 July 2024
Credit (click to check live dengue status): https://www.healthmap.org/dengue/en/
HEADLINES OF THE MONTH
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Dengue Alert: Over 200 Cases Hit New York
New York faces a surge in dengue fever cases, prompting health officials to issue warnings and urge defensive measures against the mosquito-borne virus.
Read more
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Monsoon Menace: Mumbai Battles Disease Surge
Mumbai reports over 1,300 cases of gastroenteritis, dengue, malaria, and leptospirosis amid the monsoon season, sparking health concerns and calls for preventive actions against mosquitos.
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Philippines Issues Dengue Fever Warning
The Philippines reports a 40% increase in dengue cases this year, with over 30,000 infections and 205 related deaths.
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LATEST ISLAND PHARMACEUTICAL UPDATES
On July 3rd, Island filed the final Single Ascending Dose clinical study report, as well as the proposed updated protocol for the coming ISLA-101 Phase 2 clinical study, with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Island is currently on a 30-day waiting period for the FDA to review the revised protocol. The company looks forward to providing an update to investors soon on the Phase 2 human clinical study.
Read more>>
Island Executive Chairman, Dr Paul MacLeman attended the Bioshares 2024 conference in Perth, Western Australian this month. At the conference, Dr MacLeman presented clinical progress of ISLA-101, and how this lead asset of Island is addressing the real threat posed by urgent viral disease and medical countermeasure threats.
Read full presentation>>
Island CEO and Managing Director Dr David Foster and clinical team conducted a site visit to Upstate Medical University. This is a significant milestone as we move towards the start of ISLA-101’s Phase 2 clinical trial, which potentially covers both prophylactic and therapeutic uses of the drug.
DID YOU KNOW?
One of the major issues dengue fever causes is a drop in blood platelets. This happens because the virus suppresses bone marrow, increases platelet destruction by the immune system, and causes platelets to be used up in micro blood clots and sequestered in the spleen. This leads to complications like bleeding and dengue haemorrhagic fever.
Low platelet counts are dangerous because they impair blood clotting and increase the risk of severe bleeding.
To naturally support platelet levels, you can eat foods rich in leafy greens, citrus fruits, berries, pomegranate, and pumpkin, which provide essential vitamins and antioxidants. Lean meats, nuts, seeds, and legumes offer the necessary proteins, zinc, and iron. Staying well-hydrated, limiting alcohol, avoiding toxins, regular exercise, and stress management are also crucial for keeping your platelet counts healthy.
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