12/08/2023
Understanding Dengue: Key Facts, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Prevention ◑﹏◐
🔹Introduction:
Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted primarily by 'Aedes' mosquitoes. It's common in tropical and subtropical regions, causing flu-like symptoms and sometimes leading to severe complications. Learning about dengue's key facts, symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention measures is crucial for staying safe.
🔹Key Facts:
◾Dengue is caused by the dengue virus, which has four distinct serotypes (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, DEN-4).
◾Mosquitoes, particularly Aedes mosquitoes, spread the virus. These mosquitoes are most active during early morning and late afternoon.
◾Dengue doesn't spread directly from person to person. Mosquitoes act as intermediaries.
🔹Overview:
Dengue fever can range from mild to severe. Mild cases result in high fever, while severe cases can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which require immediate medical attention.
🔹Symptoms:
Most people with dengue have mild or no symptoms and will get better in 1–2 weeks. Rarely, dengue can be severe and lead to death.
If symptoms occur, they usually begin 4–10 days after infection and last for 2–7 days.
Symptoms may include:
◻high fever (40°C/104°F)
◻severe headache
◻pain behind the eyes
◻muscle and joint pains
◻vomiting
◻swollen glands
◻rash
*Individuals who are infected for the second time are at greater risk of severe dengue.
Severe dengue symptoms often come after the fever has gone away:
🔸severe abdominal pain
🔸persistent vomiting
🔸rapid breathing
🔸bleeding gums or nose
🔸fatigue
🔸blood in vomit or stool
🔸being very thirsty
🔸pale and cold skin
🔸feeling weak.
*People with these severe symptoms should get care right away.
After recovery, people who have had dengue may feel tired for several weeks.
🔹Diagnosis:
Doctors diagnose dengue based on symptoms and lab tests. Blood tests like PCR and ELISA help detect the virus. Early diagnosis is vital to prevent complications.
🔹Transmission:
▫Primarily via Aedes mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti.
▫From infected person to mosquito to new host.
▫Virus replicates in mosquito midgut, then salivary glands.
▫Extrinsic incubation period: 8–12 days, affected by factors like temperature and viral concentration.
▫Can also spread human-to-mosquito up to 2 days before and after symptoms.
🔹Risk Factors:
▫Past infection increases severe dengue risk.
▫Urbanization contributes due to factors like population density and water storage practices.
▫Community risk influenced by awareness and vector control.
🔹Prevention and Control:
Mosquitoes active during the day; protect against bites:
◾Wear covering clothes.
◾Use insect repellent on skin and nets for sleeping.
◾Install window screens.
◾Employ mosquito coils and vaporizers.
If infected:
◾Rest and hydrate.
◾Use acetaminophen for pain; avoid NSAIDs.
◾Seek medical help for severe symptoms.
In conclusion, dengue is a significant global health concern. Understanding its transmission, symptoms, and prevention methods is crucial for staying safe. By following measures to control mosquito populations and protect against bites, we can collectively reduce the impact of on communities.
✍ AvlonHealthcare
