Dengue

Understanding Dengue: Prevention, Symptoms, and Treatment

Dengue fever, often referred to as “breakbone fever” due to the severe pain it can cause in muscles and joints, is a viral illness transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. This disease is a major public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. In this blog, we’ll explore what dengue is, its symptoms, prevention strategies, and treatment options.

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, particularly Aedes aegypti. There are four distinct serotypes of the dengue virus (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4), and infection with one type provides lifelong immunity to that specific serotype but not to the others.

Symptoms of Dengue

Dengue fever usually starts with a sudden high fever, which can reach up to 104°F (40°C). The symptoms often develop within 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include:

• High Fever: Sudden onset of high fever that can last for up to a week.
• Severe Headache: Intense pain often located behind the eyes.
• Pain in Muscles and Joints: Often described as feeling like bones are breaking.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Some patients experience gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Fatigue and Weakness: Extreme tiredness and weakness may persist even after fever subsides.
• Skin Rash: A rash may appear a few days after the fever starts.
• Mild Bleeding: Symptoms such as bleeding gums or nosebleeds can occur.

In some cases, dengue can develop into a more severe form called Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Prevention of Dengue

Preventing dengue primarily involves controlling mosquito populations and avoiding mosquito bites. Here are some effective strategies:

• Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Regularly empty containers like buckets, plant saucers, and old tires.
• Use Mosquito Repellents: Apply insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks to minimize exposed skin.
• Use Mosquito Nets: Sleep under a mosquito net, especially if you are in a high-risk area.
• Install Screens: Ensure windows and doors have screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.

Treatment for Dengue

There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Management of the illness typically focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Here’s what you should do if you suspect you have dengue:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, which is a common complication.
• Rest: Get adequate rest to help your body recover.
• Pain Relief: Use acetaminophen (paracetamol) to manage pain and reduce fever. Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Monitor Symptoms: Regularly check for signs of severe dengue, such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, or signs of bleeding.