Posts circulating on social networks indicate: “Dengue fever can be cured with ivermectin, or it can be prevented with ivermectin. Muñiz Hospital Infectology” (sic), and the publication then pointed out the supposed recipe for how to take it.
However, this is wrong. There is no scientific evidence to support the use of ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug commonly used in animals, to treat or prevent this mosquito-borne disease. Aedes aegypti. Additionally, taking medications without an appropriate medical prescription may pose health risks.
as World Health Organization (WHO)“, “Mistakes and false information can harm people’s physical and mental health, making it difficult for people to obtain information from reliable sources and obtain effective guidance when they need it most for decision-making. ”
These misleading posts were shared to Facebook, X and Instagramwith more than 300,000 views and more than 2,000 shares.
Ivermectin does not cure or prevent dengue fever
Dengue fever is a viral disease spread through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, mainly through Aedes aegypti. When mosquitoes feed on the blood of dengue patients and then bite other people, they spread the virus to them. Since there is no specific treatment, the most important preventive measure is mosquito vector control.
“There is no information that allows us to confirm that ivermectin can cure or prevent dengue fever. Conceptually, dengue fever is a viral disease and antiparasitic drugs such as ivermectin have no effect on viruses. ” checked Pablo Scarpellato, director of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Santoianni Hospital.
Furthermore, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) explains in its report Official website That “There is no specific drug to treat dengue fever.”
This misinformation has also been denied by international fact-checking agencies, e.g. AFP Facts.
Karin Kopitowski, head of Factual Consulting Family and Community Medicine Services, AFP italian hospital Mayor and President of Buenos Aires argentine federation of family and general practice (FAMFyG) states that “some in vitro studies, that is, studies conducted in the laboratory rather than in humans, suggest that ivermectin may have antiviral effects against dengue viruses.”
I added: “However, this research is still in its preliminary stages and there is no scientific consensus or recommendations on the use of ivermectin to treat dengue in humans. Based on robust and controlled clinical trials. “
Experts explain that “there is no specific treatment for dengue fever” and that treatment of the disease is based on “relieving symptoms” and “controlling the effects of the disease.” This includes hydration, “using painkillers to relieve pain and fever, and avoiding medications such as aspirin, which can increase the risk of bleeding.” In more severe cases, Kopitowski said, “get support in the hospital Treatment to control more serious symptoms such as bleeding, low blood pressure, or shock.”
What are the recommendations for preventing dengue fever?
when we factor in this notefor prevent Argentina has a dengue vaccine developed by Japan’s Takeda Laboratories and approved by the National Agency for Medicines, Food and Medical Technologies (ANMAT) in April 2023 for all people over 4 years old, regardless of whether they have been previously vaccinated Vaccine is sick.
So far, the vaccine is not included in the national vaccination calendar and is only available at private vaccination centres.Some provinces, e.g. Jumpfirst implemented a free vaccination program against the disease, using provincial resources to purchase doses and applying them to the population in endemic areas.
To eliminate mosquitoes, Pan American Health Organization recommend Take the following steps: Avoid collecting water in outdoor containers (jars, bottles, or other containers that can collect water) to avoid becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes; Cover water tanks and reservoirs appropriately and keep them away; Avoid accumulation of trash and put it in in a sealed plastic bag.
“he Aedes aegypti It prefers to lay its eggs in man-made containers (mainly barrels, buckets and tires) filled with water in and around homes, schools and workplaces.of eggs Aedes aegypti “They can resist dry environmental conditions for more than a year: in fact, this is one of the most important strategies for the species’ survival and reproduction,” explains PAHO.
He warned: “Prevention and control of dengue “It has to be cross-sectoral and involve families and communities.”
What is Ivermectin and what are its uses?
As explained in this note, ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug widely used in humans and veterinarians. It has been on the legal market for over 40 years and is available in prescribed dosages to maintain tolerability and safety patterns for known indications.
Its widespread availability and affordable price have brought it new attention during the pandemic, especially following the publication of in vitro (laboratory) studies showing that ivermectin is a potential inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 viral replication agent, the virus that causes COVID-19.
However, despite authorized clinical trials in the country and other parts of the world, To date, there are no conclusive studies demonstrating its clinical effectiveness in treating coronavirus patients.According to several experts consulted this way.
Ivermectin is not approved by Anmat or any other health organization in the world for the prevention or treatment of dengue virus.In addition, there are reports that Increasing cases of serious poisoning Ivermectin can be used without a doctor’s prescription.
COVID-19 and Dengue Misinformation
One of the users who shares misinformation on social networks is Julio Reasona, who in his biography on X (formerly Twitter) defines himself as an “outsider lawyer” (sic).
During 2021 and 2022, Reasona published false information (see here and here) Verified checked and announced Support one of the group’s leaders, Mariano Arriaga “Doctor for truth”. Furthermore, he believes that the coronavirus pandemic is a “health dictatorship” and vaccines are a “deadly experiment.”
Over the years, every time there has been an increase in dengue cases, misinformation about dengue has circulated on social networks, suggesting, for example, that the existence of the dengue virus is “unproven,” that dengue fever is “thought to be caused by calcium deficiency and can be cured by vitamin C,” and that severe dengue fever symptoms “are caused by the interaction of graphene and 5G antennas” or that papaya leaves can cure dengue fever. All false statements. From checked We identify and verify them this note.
No, ivermectin does not cure or prevent dengue fever, and using ivermectin without medical indications may pose health risks.
