Dengue fever is viral infection caused by due to the dengue virus. Its mainly transmitted by mosquito bite.
Dengue virus is family member of Flavivirus. It has four distinct types
- DENV-1
- DENV-2
- DENV-2
- DENV-2
After infection with one serotype one gets life long immunity against that serotype.
Transmission of Dengue Virus
Mosquito vector
Aedes aegypti mosquito is the main vector of dengue . But Aedes albopictus also plays role in transmission of dengue virus. It is mostly active at the time of sunrise and sunset.
Life-cycle
These mosquitoes are born in stagnant water like pots, plastic bottles, old tires and water inside old style cooler. Female mosquito acquire the virus by biting an infected person and then their bite can be spread the virus to the other people.
What are the symptoms of Dengue Virus ?
Mild Dengue Fever
- High Fever
- Headache
- Pain behind eyes
- Pain in joints and muscles
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Skin Rash
- Blood in nose
- Blood in gums
Severe dengue case
- Severe stomach pain
- Continues vomiting
- Fast breathing
- Bleeding gums
- Blood in vomit
- Blood in stool
- Fatigue
Diagnosis
Laboratory Test
- NS1 Antigen test
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test
- IgG and IgM antibody test
Treatment
Symptomatic treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment of dengue virus. Acetaminophen or Paracetamol is generally used as pain killer in this situation. But strictly avoid aspirin and ibuprofen like medicines. Because the increased the risk of bleeding. Take more liquids like ors coconut water, intravenous fluid, also take rest.
Severe cases treatment
- Patients are admitted to the hospital
- Monitor the dangerous symptoms
- Blood transfusion if required
Personal Protection
- Use Mosquito screens
- Always use mosquito net in night also in day
- Use insect repellent
Global impact
It is common in tropical and subtropical region including southeast Asia, The Pacific Island, Caribbean, central and south America. It is very common in urban and semi urban
Myths and facts
Myth-Dengue can be spread from person to person
Fact-It is only transmitted by infected mosquito bite
Myth-Only children are at risk of dengue fever
Fact-Dengue fever can happen to the any age group.
