Dengue is a disease which is caused by a virus spreading by mosquitoes. It infects millions of people worldwide every year. Dengue fever is commonly widespread in mainly tropical and subtropical areas and it is a serious threat to human health. It requires a well understanding of the signs, causes, remedies and precautions to be able to combat the virus. Discover the symptoms, effects, and the precautions that can be taken in this article.

What is Dengue Fever? 

Dengue virus is carried by female Aedes mosquitoes and transmitted to people. The virus has four unique serotypes such as DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. Dengue fever can vary in different ways, from mild flu-like symptoms to severe dengue hemorrhagic fever. 

Common Symptoms of Dengue Fever

The average duration for the dengue fever symptoms can last from 5–8 days following a mosquito bite. Typical and common symptoms include high temperature, severe headache, joint and muscular pain, rash, exhaustion, nausea, and moderate bleeding such as bleeding from the gums or nose. It is essential to seek immediate medical attention if any of the above symptoms are present, especially if you are at the locations where dengue is endemic. 

Prevention Measures

The best strategy to lower the risk of dengue fever is to avoid mosquito bites. Here are some essential precautions to take to prevent the dengue fever:

• Eliminate the places where mosquitoes can breed: To stop mosquitoes breeding, get rid of stagnant water from containers, clean out clogged gutters, and throw away anything that can cumulate rainfall.
• Use mosquito repellents: Apply mosquito repellents on the skin and clothing. Always make sure to sleep with a mosquito net, especially in high-risk areas.
• Wear protectively: When you are present outdoors in dengue-endemic areas, wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes to prevent  the skin from being bitten.

Treatment and Diagnosis

Timely diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Blood testing can be done to confirm the infection. Although there is no specific antiviral medication yet for dengue fever, symptomatic relief like bed rest, hydration, and painkillers are advised. Severe cases need hospitalization for close observation and supportive care.

Dengue fever affects millions of people globally, but it is most common in Asia, the Americas, and Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 40% of the world’s population is estimated to be at risk of contracting one of the 390 million diseases that occur annually. In order to minimize the impact of dengue fever, it is crucial to raise awareness, enhance monitoring, and put vector control techniques into practice.

In many regions of the world, dengue fever is still a serious health threat. For people who live in or travel to dengue-endemic areas, understanding its symptoms, preventative measures, and accessible treatments is essential. It is everyone’s responsibility to join forces together to stop the spread of dengue fever and safeguard the communities by taking the proper precautions and implementing preventive measures.

PrimoCare Medical Clinic is always ready to take care of your optimal health. Visit the clinic and get professional advice from our professionals. You can inquire or make an appointment in advance here.

References:

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Dengue and Severe Dengue 
• Dengue