Dengue fever is a disease caused by four dengue viruses spread by the Aedes aegyptimosquito.
Mosquitoes become infected with the dengue virus when they bite people with infected blood and then spread it when they bite another person. Most cases of dengue fever happen when a mosquito bites someone, but people can get the virus if they’re exposed to infected blood.
Once you contract one of the dengue viruses, you develop immunity to that virus for the rest of your life. However, you can still contract the other three viruses, so it’s possible to get all four dengue viruses in your lifetime. Person-to-person transmission doesn’t occur.
Tropical regions are heavily affected. Areas that have the greatest risk of infection include:
· Sub-Saharan Africa
· Central America
· Mexico
· the Caribbean
· Pacific Islands
· India
· South America
· Southeast Asia
· Southern China
· Taiwan
· northern parts of Australia
If you develop dengue fever, symptoms usually begin about 4 to 10 days after the initial infection. In many cases, symptoms will be mild. They may be mistaken for symptoms of the flu or another infection.
Common symptoms generally last for 2 to 7 days and can include
· sudden, high fever (up to 106°F or 41°C)
· severe headache
· swollen lymph glands
· severe joint and muscle pains
· skin rash (appearing between 2 and 5 days after the initial fever)
Symptoms of severe dengue can include:
· belly pain and tenderness
· mild to severe vomiting (three times in 24 hours)
· mild bleeding from the nose or gums
· vomiting blood or blood in stool
· fatigue, restlessness, or irritability
Dengue fever rarely causes death. However, the infection can progress into a more serious condition known as severe dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Doctors use blood tests to check for antibodies the dengue viruses or the presence of infection. A doctor may use a virological test or a serological test.
At Jeevan Jyoti Diagnostic we have tests available for Dengue. Click below Link to know more and book the test.
The best method of protection is to avoid mosquito bites and to reduce the mosquito population. When in a high risk area, you should do the following:
· Avoid heavily populated residential areas.
· Use mosquito repellent indoors and outdoors.
· Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants tucked into socks.
· Use air conditioning instead of opening windows.
· Ensure that window and door screens are secure and that any holes are repaired.
· Use mosquito nets if sleeping areas aren’t screened.
Reducing the mosquito population involves getting rid of mosquito breeding areas. These areas include any place where still water can collect, such as:
· birdbaths
· pet dishes
· empty planters
· flower pots
· cans
· any empty vessel
These areas should be checked, emptied, or changed regularly.
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