Dengue is a viral infection that is transferred to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The main vectors that transmit the disease are the Aedes aegypti mosquito and, to a lesser extent, Ae. albopictus The virus that causes dengue, called dengue virus (DENV), is the fastest-growing mosquito-borne viral disease in the world. More than 3.9 billion people in more than 129 countries are at risk of dengue, with an estimated 96 million symptomatic cases and an estimated 40,000 deaths each year.
In the Western Pacific region, at least 15 countries report dengue infections, and several more cases are reported every 2–3 years due to weather. Countries in the region report an estimated 450,000 suspected cases during peak years, about 60% of all cases worldwide. Dengue is a viral infection that is transferred to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The main vectors that transmit the disease are the Aedes aegypti mosquito and, to a lesser extent, Ae. albopictus.Dengue Virus
Transmission of Dengue
Dengue virus is transmitted to people by the bite of an infected Aedes species (Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus) mosquito. About half of the world’s population, about 4 billion people, live in dengue-risk areas. Dengue is often the leading cause of disease in high-risk areas. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus.Symptoms usually begin three to fourteen days after infection. They include high fever, headache, vomiting, and muscle aches. and may include joint pain, skin rashes, and hives.Recovery usually takes two to seven days.In a small proportion of cases, The disease progresses to more severe dengue hemorrhagic fever, which results in bleeding, low levels of blood platelets, and leakage of blood plasma, or dengue shock syndrome, where dangerously low blood pressure occurs.
Dengue fever
Dengue fever is a disease transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes infected with one of the dengue viruses. Symptoms are usually flu-like but can progress to severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever), a life-threatening condition. Getting infected a second time increases your risk of sincere symptoms of that disease. If you have already had dengue once, you can be vaccinated. Dengue fever rarely strikes the continental United States, although there have been small outbreaks in Texas, Florida, and Hawaii.
But dengue fever is common in Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the US Virgin Islands. It is also common in many tropical countries of Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. If you plan to travel to a foreign country, especially the tropics, it is wise to avoid dengue fever. Wearing insect repellent, covering sleeping areas with netting, and avoiding going out at dusk and dawn (when mosquitoes are most active) can help reduce the chance of infection.
symptoms of dengue
- Rash.
- Aches and pains (eye pain, typically behind the eyes, muscle, joint, or bone pain)
- Any warning sign
- Nausea, vomiting.
Treatment of Dengue Fever
See a health care provider if you have a fever or symptoms of dengue. Tell him about your trip.
Rest as much as possible.
Take acetaminophen (also called paracetamol outside the US) to control fever and relieve pain.
Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen!
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Drink water or drinks with extra electrolytes.
There is no specific medicine to treat the dengue virus. If you think you may have dengue fever, you should use pain relievers with acetaminophen and avoid aspirin, which can increase bleeding. You should also rest, drink more fluids, and see your doctor. If you start to feel worse in the first 24 hours after your fever goes down, you should go to the hospital immediately to check for complications.
Warning Signs Of Dengue Virus
- Abdominal pain or tenderness.
- Constant vomiting.
- Accumulation of clinical fluid.
- Mucosal bleeding.
- Lethargy or restlessness.
- Liver enlargement > 2 cm.
- A laboratory finding of increased HCT concurrent with the rapid decline in platelet count
How Dengue Will Be Cured
There is no specific treatment for dengue. You can only treat the symptoms until the infection is gone. You can usually take care of yourself.
Causes Of Dengue
The dengue virus is transmitted to people by the bite of an infected Aedes species (Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus) mosquito. About half of the world’s population, about 4 billion people, live in dengue-risk areas.
Preventing Dengue Fever
The best way to prevent the disease is to avoid being bitten by infected mosquitoes, especially if you are living or traveling in a tropical area. This includes protecting yourself and trying to keep mosquito populations down. In 2019, the FDA approved a vaccine called DengueVaxia to help prevent the disease in youth ages 9 to 16 who have already been infected with dengue. But, there is currently no vaccine that can prevent the general population from becoming infected. The severe form of dengue fever, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever, can cause severe bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure (shock), and death.
When should you consult a doctor?
But the disease is spreading into new areas, including endemic outbreaks in Europe and the southern United States Researchers are working on a vaccine for dengue fever. Currently, in areas where dengue fever is common, the best ways to prevent infection are to avoid mosquito bites and take steps to reduce mosquito populations. Acute dengue fever is a life-threatening medical emergency. Get immediate medical attention if you have recently visited an area known to have dengue fever, develop a fever, and experience any of the warning signs. Warning signs include severe stomach pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or blood in your nose, gums, vomit, or stool. Call your doctor if you have recently traveled and have a fever and mild symptoms of dengue fever.