Modern medicine causes dengue fever, says Iranian cleric

Controversial Iranian cleric and Islamic medicine advocate Abbas Tabrizian says modern pharmaceuticals, not the Aedes mosquito, is the cause of dengue fever.

In the Shia cleric's recent statement on his Telegram channel, he said, “The cause of diseases such as dengue fever, cancer, and coronavirus are the chemical drugs. If you do not take chemical drugs, you will not get sick."

His controversial views, including his description of immunization as a "colonialist plot" and the promotion of bizarre remedies during the COVID-19 pandemic, have sparked widespread ridicule and condemnation.

He has written several books on what he calls Islamic Medicine and runs an Islamic Medicine Center. This center markets various products under the pretext of religious adherence, including Islamic toothbrushes, soap, and even ink.

He claims that adhering to Islamic teachings can cure any illness and that living a "true Islamic lifestyle" negates the need for conventional medical treatment. Tabrizian also offers his followers diagnostic advice, including guidance on "womb preparation" and "treatment of brain debility," along with prescriptions for medications such as "nerve strengthener" and "blood detoxifier."

His assertion about dengue fever contrasts with statements from Iranian health officials amid rising cases. The deputy minister of health on Monday emphasized the identification and capture of Aedes mosquitoes in five provinces, highlighting the differences between the northern and southern species. He noted that the southern variant is more aggressive and prone to spreading the disease.

During a visit to the southern Hormozgan province, Hossein Farshidi mentioned that “many dengue fever patients have come from other countries,” warning that a widespread outbreak could be “more dangerous than COVID-19.”

Maqsoud Asadi Samani, Secretary of the Association of Iranian Airlines, acknowledged the possibility of Aedes mosquitoes being transported via passenger luggage but stated that no reports have been received regarding their presence on planes.

Shahnam Arshi, head of the Center for Infectious Disease Management, also expressed concern about the spread of dengue fever from travelers from the UAE, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

Arshi named Bushehr, Khuzestan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Golestan, Gilan, Mazandaran, and Hormozgan as provinces that have had cases of the disease, emphasizing that these areas are potentially at risk for Aedes mosquitoes or may face them in the future.

As of July 10, 149 Iranians have been confirmed to have dengue fever, with residents of 40 cities at risk. The Deputy Minister of Health identified environmental conditions that allow mosquito growth and disease transmission as critical factors to quash the outbreak which is not in most cases fatal, causes severe pain in the bones, joints, and muscles.