Dengue

What is Dengue?

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of the female Aedes mosquito which breeds in free-standing water. It could be in your home, in potted plant trays, or even in your fridge. It can also be transferred to the unborn baby in a pregnant woman who is infected with the disease. Congenital dengue is an arboviral disease caused by four types of the dengue viruses (DENV 1-4). Congenital dengue can be dangerous if untreated. The disease can vary from mild to intense, and can take dangerous forms which include dengue shock syndrome and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). DHF is also known as break bone fever.

Symptoms

  • Mild symptoms of dengue can be confused with other illnesses that cause fever, aches and pains, or a rash.

The most common symptom of dengue is fever with any of the following:

  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Rash
  • Aches and pains (eye pain, typically behind the eyes, muscle, joint, or bone pain)
  • Any worning sign

Warning signs of severe dengue

  • Watch for signs and symptoms of severe dengue. Warning signs usually begin in the 24–48 hours after your fever has gone away.
  • Immediately go to a local clinic or emergency room if you or a family member has any of the following symptoms.
  • Belly pain, tenderness
  • Vomiting (at least 3 times in 24 hours)
  • Bleeding from the nose or gums
  • Vomiting blood, or blood in the stool
  • Feeling tired, restless, or irritable

Symptoms of dengue typically last 2–7 days. Most people will recover after about a week.

Causes

Dengue is caused by the viruses spread by mosquito Aedes that thrive in and near human lodgings. When a mosquito bites a person infected with the virus of dengue, the virus enters the mosquito. When the infected mosquito bites another person, the virus enters the bloodstream of that person

Risks

The main risks factors are:

  • Living or traveling to areas where the disease is widespread.
  • Prior infection with dengue virus

Prevention

To prevent the dengue virus from circulating, these are certain things one should take care of:

  • The best way to protect yourself from dengue is to protect yourself from mosquito bites Wear and protective clothes properly covering your body.
  • Prevent mosquito bite
  • Use mosquito repellent creams and sprays.
  • Reduce the habitat of the mosquitos.
  • Stay in well-screened housing.