Now, this tragic series of events has once again turned the sporting community’s attention to the grave risks conferred by Aedes aegypti, the tiny flying parasite transporting a disease with no current treatment or suitable prevention.

Also known as “bonebreak fever,” dengue incapacitates its victims with elevated body temperatures, rashes, and severe joint and muscle pains. In extreme cases, it can even lead to death.

Although traditionally confined to hot, tropical climates, dengue outbreaks are beginning to impact the global community as more people travel to infested areas, and local conditions are increasingly primed to allow the insects to breed in more diverse climates.

October’s Commonwealth Games, held in Delhi, India, saw 8,000 athletes from 71 countries pour into the capital city. Foreign governments criticized Indian officials for building the athletes village too close to the Yamuna River, a known hotbed for dengue-infected mosquitoes.

Leading up to the Games, roughly 50 people per day were reporting symptoms of the viral disease, and seven deaths had occurred.

Days after the games began, Delhi was hit with another wave of dengue cases, though the athletes themselves were relatively unscathed. But the damage was already done, as top-rated athletes, like Britain’s Elena Baltacha, decided the chance for glory wasn’t worth the looming health risk, and withdrew from the competition.

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Authors: Brian Mossop

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