A severe, incapacitating illness spread by mosquitoes, dengue fever (pronounced "dengee") is brought on by any one of four closely related dengue viruses. These viruses have a connection to the ones that cause yellow fever and West Nile infection.
- Through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus), dengue viruses are transmitted to people. These mosquitoes can transmit other viruses including Zika and chikungunya.
- 4 billion people, or close to half of the world's population, reside in dengue-risk zones. In risky locations, dengue is frequently the main cause of sickness.
- Dengue affects up to 400 million people annually. A hundred million people worldwide develop an infection, and severe dengue causes 40,000 fatalities.
- One of the four closely related dengue viruses—dengue viruses 1, 2, 3, and 4—causes the disease. Because of this, a person may contract the dengue virus up to four times in a lifetime.
What are the symptoms of Dengue Fever?
Symptoms can appear four to six days after infection and can linger for up to ten days.
- Unexpectedly high fever
- Severe headaches
- Behind-the-eye discomfort and Pain
- Excruciating joint and muscle ache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- A skin rash that starts to develop two to five days after the commencement of a fever.
- Mild bleeding (such a nose bleed, bleeding gums, or easy bruising).
How to diagnose Dengue Fever?
A blood test to screen for the virus or antibodies to it can help doctors identify dengue infection. Tell your doctor if you get unwell after visiting a tropical region. This will make it possible for your physician to assess whether a dengue infection might have contributed to your symptoms.
What are Preventive Measures for Dengue?
Avoiding mosquito bites is the greatest approach to avoid contracting the illness, especially if you reside in or are visiting a tropical region. This entails taking precautions and working to reduce the mosquito population. In order to help adolescents aged 9 to 16 who have already contracted dengue from getting sick, the FDA authorized the Dengvaxia vaccine in 2019. However, there isn't a vaccination available yet to shield the general public from getting it.
For your own safety:
- Even indoors, apply insect repellant.
- When outside, dress in long sleeves and long, tucked-in pants.
- If available, utilize the air conditioning indoors.
- Check that the screens on your windows and doors are solid and without any gaps. Use mosquito netting if your sleeping spaces don't have air conditioning or a screen.
- Speak with your doctor if you experience dengue symptoms.
Eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes to decrease their population. These could be used to collect rainwater, such as old tires, cans, or flowerpots. In outdoor birdbaths and pet water bowls, replace the water frequently.
Take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites for yourself and other family members if someone in your home has dengue fever. The family member who is infected could infect others in your home if mosquitoes bite them.
0 Comments