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Timor-Leste (East Timor), a country about 600 km north from Australia, is facing a potential epidemic of mosquito-borne diseases, specifically Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya. These diseases are caused by viruses transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes and have been a growing concern in the region due to various factors including climate change, urbanization, inadequate water supply, and poor storage practices.
As part of its RealStar® product line and its FTE (fever, tropical, emerging) panel, altona Diagnostics offers suitable CE-IVD marked RT-PCR kits to combat the potential epidemic. With the RealStar® Chikungunya RT-PCR Kit 2.0, the RealStar® Dengue RT-PCR Kit 3.0 and the RealStar® Zika Virus RT-PCR Kit 1.0 the respective virus specific RNA can be detected. Additionally, the RealStar® Dengue Type RT-PCR Kit 1.0 is offered as an RUO product and can be used to differentiate between all four dengue virus serotypes 1–4.
Dengue fever, characterized by high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, and rash, has been a persistent problem in Timor-Leste. The country has experienced recurrent outbreaks of Dengue, with increasing numbers of cases reported each year. Zika and Chikungunya, which share similar symptoms with Dengue, have also emerged as significant public health threats in recent years. Several municipalities reported cases of chikungunya marking the first ever outbreak.
However, it is not only the Southeast Asian country that is threatened by a possible triple outbreak. Due to climate change, Aedes mosquitoes are spreading to more and more areas of the northern hemisphere. Particularly in Europe and the United States, the environmental conditions are becoming more favorable for the survival and reproduction of the vectors. Between January 1 and December 5, 2023, sporadic autochthonous cases and outbreaks were reported in Italy, France, and Spain.
Preventing and reducing the spread of dengue, Zika and chikungunya in Timor-Leste and other countries at risk requires a comprehensive approach that includes vector control, community outreach, improved surveillance including testing, and strengthening of health systems.
Find out more about our RealStar® Dengue RT-PCR kit.
Find out more about our RealStar® Zika virus RT-PCR kit.
Find out more about our RealStar® Chikungunya virus RT-PCR kit.
altona Diagnostics GmbH
Mörkenstr. 12
22767 Hamburg, Germany