Dengue Uncovered: Causes, Symptoms and Essential Prevention Tips.
Dengue, also known as "break-bone fever," is
a viral infection transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes,
primarily Aedes aegypti. It is common in tropical and subtropical regions,
affecting millions of people worldwide each year. Dengue can range from mild
flu-like symptoms to severe, life-threatening conditions like dengue haemorrhagic
fever and dengue shock syndrome. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and
preventive measures is essential to avoid complications and control the spread
of the disease.
Causes of Dengue
Dengue is caused by one of four closely related viruses (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, or DENV-4) belonging to the Flavivirus genus. These viruses are spread primarily by the bite of infected female Aedes mosquitoes. Key factors contributing to dengue outbreaks include:
● Mosquito Bites
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes thrive in tropical and
subtropical areas, where they breed in stagnant water (e.g., in containers,
pots, or uncovered water storage). When these mosquitoes bite a person infected
with dengue, they can transmit the virus to others through subsequent bites.
● Environmental
Conditions
Dengue is more common in areas with warm climates,
especially during the rainy season when mosquitoes breed in abundance.
● Urbanization
Poor urban planning, overcrowded living conditions,
and inadequate sanitation increase mosquito breeding grounds, raising the risk
of dengue outbreaks.
● Human Mobility
Travel to dengue-endemic areas can expose individuals to the virus, allowing the disease to spread to non-endemic regions.
The symptoms of dengue typically appear 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Dengue can be categorized into mild, moderate, or severe cases.
Mild and Moderate Symptoms
Most cases of dengue result in mild or moderate
symptoms, which may include:
● High Fever (104°F or 40°C)
Sudden onset of high fever lasting 2-7 days.
● Severe Headache
Intense pain behind the eyes, often referred to as
retro-orbital pain.
● Muscle and Joint
Pain (Break-Bone Fever)
Severe muscle and joint pain, which is why dengue is
often called “break-bone fever.
● Nausea and Vomiting
Feeling nauseous and experiencing frequent vomiting.
● Fatigue and Weakness
Extreme tiredness or exhaustion that can last for days
or weeks, even after fever subsides.
● Skin Rash
A red rash may develop on the face, chest, or limbs
after the fever subsides.
● Pain in Bones and
Joints
Intense joint pain is a hallmark of dengue.
Severe Dengue (Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome)
In some cases, dengue can progress to more severe forms, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Symptoms of severe dengue include:
● Bleeding (Haemorrhagic Symptoms)
Bleeding from the nose, gums, or under the skin, which
appears as bruising.
● Abdominal Pain
Severe pain in the abdomen and persistent vomiting.
● Fluid Accumulation
Fluids may build up in the chest and abdominal cavity,
causing swelling and difficulty breathing.
● Drop in Blood Pressure (Shock)
A sudden drop in blood pressure can lead to shock,
which is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
● Organ Damage
Severe dengue can cause damage to organs like the liver and heart, leading to multi-organ failure in the most critical cases.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue, so prevention is the most effective strategy for controlling the disease. Key preventive measures include:
1. Avoid Mosquito Bites
● Wear Protective
Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and
shoes to minimize exposed skin.
● Use Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon
eucalyptus on exposed skin.
● Sleep Under Mosquito Nets: Use mosquito nets, especially in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent, or sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
2. Eliminate Mosquito
Breeding Sites
● Remove Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so regularly empty containers like
buckets, flower pots, tires, and water storage tanks.
● Cover Water Storage Containers: Keep water containers tightly covered to prevent
mosquitoes from laying eggs.
● Clean Gutters and Drains: Ensure that there is no water accumulation in drains, gutters, or outdoor areas where mosquitoes can breed.
3. Community-Based
Prevention
● Mosquito Control Programs: Support local mosquito control programs that focus on spraying
insecticides, releasing mosquito larvae-eating fish, and using biological
agents to control mosquito populations.
● Education Campaigns: Raise awareness within communities about dengue prevention and the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.
4. Dengue Vaccine
● Dengvaxia: The first dengue vaccine, approved in some countries, is recommended for individuals who have previously been infected with dengue. However, it is not widely available and is not recommended for individuals without prior dengue exposure.
5. Travel Precautions
● If traveling to areas where dengue is endemic, take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing and using mosquito repellents.
Conclusion
Dengue is a serious viral infection spread by
mosquitoes, with symptoms ranging from mild fever to severe, life-threatening
conditions. Preventing mosquito bites and eliminating breeding sites are the
most effective ways to control dengue. While there is no specific cure, early
detection and proper medical care can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk
of severe outcomes. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and prevention
methods, individuals and communities can play a crucial role in reducing the
impact of dengue.
