Dengue fever is a viral infection, affecting millions of individuals across the globe, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. It is passed on by mosquitoes and, if not treated, could lead to severe health complications. This article is going to discuss dengue fever, symptoms of the fever, and a bit about its origins and means of transmission.
1. What is Dengue Fever?
Dengue Fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness caused by the dengue virus (DENV). Series of transmission broadly occur through the bite of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The virus has four serotypes: DENV-1 to DENV-4; immunity against one serotype does not preclude full susceptibility to infections with other serotypes.
2. Dengue Fever Symptoms
Dengue fever symptoms vary from mild to severe. The infectious process passes through three stages: the febrile phase, critical phase, and recovery phase.
a. Mild Symptoms:
- High fever (104°F or 40°C) that occurs unexpectedly
- Severe headaches.
- Pain behind your eyes
- Muscle, bone, and joint pain
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Skin rashes
- Fatigue and weakness.
b. Severe Symptoms (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome):
- Severe abdominal ache.
- Persistent vomiting
- Bleeding from the nose or gum
- Blood in feces or vomit.
- Rapid breathing.
- Cold or clammy skin.
- Significantly low blood pressure (shock).
If you or someone you know exhibits any severe dengue fever symptoms, they should be taken to the hospital immediately.
3. Causes of Dengue Fever
The Dengue is caused by the dengue virus, which enters the human body through the bite of an infected mosquito. Important causes include:
- Mosquito Bites: Aedes mosquitoes bite during daylight hours, especially early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
- Living in High-Risk Areas: Regions with warm, humid climates and poor sanitation are often sources of outbreaks of dengue.
- Lack of Immunity: One who has never been infected is at high risk.
- Travel to Endemic Areas: Travelers to dengue-endemic areas are exposed to the chance of infection.
- Standing Water: Stagnancy in water in containers, drains, and open spaces provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
4. Transmission of Dengue Fever
The fever is transmitted through mosquito bites, and the method of transmission is:
- The mosquito bites the affected person and acquires viral material.
- The virus replicates within the mosquito.
- The infected mosquito bites another, introducing the virus into their bloodstream.
- It begins replicating within the new host, resulting in symptoms within 4-10 hours of being bitten by an infected mosquito.
5. Prevention of Dengue Fever
There isn’t a specific cure for fever; therefore, prevention is the best strategy. These are some of the most common ways to reduce your risk:
- Use Mosquito Repellents: Apply repellents that have DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil.
- Wear Protective Clothing:Long-sleeved shirts and pants reduce exposure to mosquitoes.
- Keep Surroundings Clean: Standstill waters collected in flower pots, old tires, buckets, and open drains are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
- Use Mosquito Nets: Sleeping under a mosquito net may prevent bites, particularly for infants and the elderly.
- Install Window Screens: Sleeping under a mosquito net may prevent bites, particularly for infants and the elderly.
- Fogging and Spraying: Most local authorities perform fogging at intervals to kill mosquitoes.
- Vaccination: A few countries now have Dengue vaccines, with which partial protection may be offered.
6. Diagnosis and Treatment of Dengue Fever
There has no specific antiviral treatment, but if the patient is diagnosed early with the right management, recovery can be hastened.
a. Diagnosis:
- Blood Tests: reveal the dengue virus or its dio antibody.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): counts platelets and white blood cells.
b. Treatment:
- Hydration: ingestion of high amounts of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Rest: proper rest allows the body to concentrate on fighting the infection.
- Pain Relievers: Paracetamol is advised for the treatment of fever and pain. Avoid the use of aspirin and ibuprofen, as they would increase the chances of bleeding.
- Medical Supervision:It is quite serious, and in those cases, a person may need to stay in the hospital to be closely monitored during the administration of IV fluids.
7. Complications of Dengue Fever
Improper management of dengue fever may lead to complications such as:
- Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF): It causes severe internal bleeding and lowering platelet count.
- Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS): Where organs fail and blood pressure drops.
- Organ Damage: Advanced cases may damage the liver, heart, and lungs.
- Death: Although rare, severe untreated dengue can be lethal.
Conclusion
Dengue fever is serious an illness that is mosquito-borne and needs awareness and preventive measures in place. With knowledge of symptoms as well as causes and transmission of dengue fever, individuals can effectively take precautions for themselves. The early diagnosis and medical intervention avoid serious complications. Wellness DrPro Health encourages everyone to adopt mosquito control practices and seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms. Stay safe and protect yourself from dengue fever.
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