Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease which is caused by the virus. It occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Dengue symptoms typically begin three to fourteen days after infection. Mild dengue fever causes a high fever, vomiting, muscle and joint pain and skin rash. Severe dengue fever also called dengue hemorrhagic fever can cause severe bleeding from the nose and gums, low levels of blood platelets and blood plasma leakage, failure of the circulatory system, a sudden drop in blood pressure and death. This is called dengue shock syndrome.

Dengue Fever Causes

Dengue fever is caused by dengue viruses that are spread by bite of Aedes mosquitoes that thrive in and near human lodgings. When a mosquito bites a person who is infected with a dengue virus, the virus enters in the mosquito. When this infected mosquito bites another person, the virus then enters that person's bloodstream.

When Dengue Mosquito Bites?

Aedes aegypti bites during daytime. This mosquito is most active during daylight, for about two hours after sunrise and several hours before the sunset. This mosquito rests indoors, in closets and in the dark places. They rest in cool and shaded place.

Vaccine for dengue fever has been approved and is available in a number of countries. Dengue fever prevention can be done by reducing mosquito habitat and limiting exposure to bites. At least once a week, empty and clean all containers that hold standing water, such as animal dishes and flower vases, plants container.

Always try to cover standing water and wearing clothes which covers the much body parts. Treatment of acute dengue is supportive and can be cured by giving fluid either by mouth or intravenously for moderate disease. Blood transfusion is required for severe cases. Many people are admitted to hospital for severe cases. Nonsteoroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) drugs are not given in dengue fever. Paracetamol is given for fever reduction and pain relief.

Areas More Prone to Dengue Fever:

Each year about 380 million dengue fever infections occur worldwide each year and about 90 million results in illness. Most cases of dengue fever occur in tropical areas of the world, with the greatest risk in following areas.

Southeast Asia

Southern China

Taiwan

The Indian subcontinent

The Caribbean

Mexico

Africa

Central and South America

The Pacific Islands