DENGUE | Symptoms, Transmission, Prevention, Treatment

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The virus responsible for dengue is transmitted to humans primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, although other Aedes species can also serve as vectors. Here are some key points about dengue:

Symptoms:

Dengue fever can cause a range of symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding.

In some cases, dengue can progress to a severe and potentially life-threatening form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS). These conditions are characterized by bleeding, a drop in platelet count, and plasma leakage, leading to shock.

Transmission:

The Aedes mosquitoes that transmit the dengue virus are most active during early morning and late afternoon.

Dengue is not directly transmitted from person to person. Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person already infected with the virus and then spread the virus to other people through subsequent bites.

Prevention:

The primary method of preventing dengue is controlling mosquito populations and avoiding mosquito bites.

This includes using mosquito repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and using bed nets.

Community efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, such as stagnant water in containers, are also crucial.

Treatment:

There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue, so supportive care is the mainstay of treatment.

Patients are advised to stay hydrated, and in severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for intravenous fluid replacement.

Vaccine:

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, there was a dengue vaccine called Dengvaxia, but its use was subject to certain restrictions, and its efficacy varied based on factors such as prior dengue exposure.

The development and availability of vaccines may have evolved since then, so it's advisable to check for the latest information.

Global Impact:

Dengue is a significant public health concern in many parts of the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, the Americas, Africa, and the Western Pacific.

It's important to note that information and guidelines regarding dengue may have changed since my last update in September 2021. For the latest information on dengue, including prevention strategies and treatment guidelines, it's recommended to consult health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or local health departments.