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