Dengue (DENG-gey) fever is a disease spread by mosquitoes. Tropical and subtropical regions of the world are home to dengue fever. Flu-like symptoms and a high temperature are caused by mild dengue fever. Dengue hemorrhagic fever, the severe version of the disease, can result in fatalities as well as extensive bleeding and a sharp drop in blood pressure. Every year, millions of people contract dengue fever around the globe. This article will help in gaining more information on dengue fever.
What is Dengue Fever?
An Aedes mosquito carrying the dengue virus infects a person when it bites, causing dengue fever. The mosquito itself becomes infected if it bites someone with the virus. Dengue is not contagious, except from a pregnant woman to her unborn child. While the first infection often has mild symptoms, a second infection with a different variant can lead to severe complications.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever
The following symptoms can occur four to six days after infection and can continue up to ten days:
High temperature (104°F)
Severe headaches
Pain behind the eyes
Skin rash, which develops two to five days after the start of the fever
Severe joint and muscular pain
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Mild bleeding (blood in stool, nosebleed, bleeding gums, or easy bruising)
Low blood pressure
Minor symptoms can be mistaken for the flu or another virus. Younger children and those with no previous dengue infection often have milder symptoms compared to older children and adults.
However, one must be prepared for the serious issues to manifest. Among these are:
Dengue hemorrhagic fever
High temperature (104°F)
Bleeding from the nose
Damage to lymph and blood arteries
Liver inflammation
Malfunction of the circulatory system
Understanding the Causes of Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is caused by one of four types of dengue viruses, transmitted through mosquito bites, primarily by two species found near human dwellings. Subsequent infections by different variants of dengue fever increase the risk of severe dengue fever. Other factors responsible are:
Stagnant Water: Stagnant water breeds mosquitoes, increasing their numbers and the risk of dengue.
Geographical Location: There is a higher risk of dengue fever for those living in tropical and subtropical areas where Aedes mosquitoes are common.
Age: Children are more likely to have severe dengue, and the illness can get worse with recurrent infections.
Immune Status: People who have weakened immune systems are perhaps more vulnerable to severe dengue.
Previous Infection: Previous infection with a different dengue variant increases the risk of severe illness.
Treatment Options for Dengue Fever
Doctors typically give paracetamol to reduce dengue fever. Additionally, analgesic medications are also beneficial.
Maintaining proper hygiene is crucial since vomiting and high fever cause the body to lose a significant amount of water.
Constant fluid consumption is vital. Take a bath with sponges. Before taking a bath, a few drops of the antiseptic solution must be added to the water.
Sanitizer needs to be used regularly as well.
Conclusion
Hundreds of millions of people contract dengue each year. To lower the risk, proper steps should be taken to avoid mosquito bites and monitor for severe symptoms. Access to emergency medical care should be available if you experience any symptoms of dengue fever while travelling. With prompt treatment, severe dengue is often recoverable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dengue fever contagious?
No, dengue fever does not spread from person to person. It is transmitted via mosquito bites, particularly those from the Aedes species.
Can a person get dengue fever more than once?
Yes, one can contract dengue more than once since the virus exists in at least four variants.
When should one consult a doctor?
Even if the initial symptoms have improved, one must seek emergency care immediately if dengue symptoms reappear.
Comments