Dengue fever
Dengue fever is an illness caused by one of four dengue viruses that is spread to people by mosquitoes. This infection is a serious disease that can cause complications if not treated quickly.
Symptoms:
Symptoms include fever, headache, rash and aches or pains. They usually last 2-7 days but can last longer if the person is very sick.
Treatment:
Treatment of dengue fever typically starts with rest and plenty of fluids to keep the body hydrated. It also includes the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever and pain. It's important to avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen because they can increase bleeding.
In severe cases, doctors may treat the patient with intravenous fluids to replace the lost fluids from vomiting or diarrhea. If the condition is severe enough, a doctor can also give the patient a blood transfusion to help control the fever and reduce the chances of getting dehydration.
Prevention of Dengue:
The best way to prevent dengue is to keep the areas around your home free from mosquitoes. This includes getting rid of old tires, cans and flower pots where they collect rainwater. You can also use insect repellents and mosquito netting at home.
When someone is infected with dengue, the virus can enter the body through a bite from an infected mosquito and stay in the bloodstream for up to 10 days. When this happens, it can make the blood less dense and make it easier for the virus to get into your other organs. This can lead to the symptom of severe dengue, which can be fatal.
Severe dengue requires immediate medical care at a clinic or hospital. The first signs of severe dengue are fever, rash, and joint pain. It can also affect the kidneys and liver.
Pregnancy and children are especially at risk of dengue infection. It can lead to a miscarriage, low birth weight, or premature birth. This is why it's important to take steps to protect yourself and your unborn child before, during, and after pregnancy.
Prevention of dengue fever is simple: wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and shoes and use an effective insect repellent with DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus when you are outdoors. Cover up with mosquito netting when you sleep at night.
Travelers who are prone to developing dengue should also consider vaccination. The vaccine is available for people 9 years of age and older who have been exposed to an infected person or who live in countries where the disease is common.
Diagnosis:
A blood test can confirm the diagnosis of dengue and determine the type of virus that caused the symptoms. Your doctor will take a sample of your blood and send it to a lab to check for the dengue virus. A test can also detect the presence of other viruses that are similar to the ones that cause dengue.
Spread of Dengue:
The dengue virus is spread through the bites of infected female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, who live in the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Mosquitoes can also spread dengue fever from an infected person to other people, and vice versa.
