Introduction of Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is a viral infection caused by the virus dengue. This disease is not airborne, instead it is a mosquito borne disease. This means that it is carried by the Aedes Mosquito, the female species to be more specific. Now it must be kept in mind that this mosquito usually bites during the daytime, irrespective of where a person really is, meaning that could be indoors or even outdoors, still get bitten and consequently infected with the disease. Experts suggest that the symptoms only begin to appear between three to fourteen day after being actually infected, while recovery only takes roughly about seven days.
Causative Organism of Dengue Fever
The dengue fever is considered to be an exceedingly rare disease as it affects just about a hundred thousand cases on a yearly basis. If not tended timely this disease may prove to be extremely dangerous. This is because it may lead to severe dengue, which is commonly known as dengue haemorrhagic fever or even break bone fever. The effects of this viral infection include, excessive bleeding, decrease in level of platelets, leakage of blood plasma and in some severe cases may even cause dengue shock syndrome, which results is extremely low levels of blood pressure (dangerously low)
The dengue virus typically causes five different types of infections of which the first one leaves the affected patients with lifelong immunity to that particular type and a noticeably short lived immunity to the other types.
It was recognised as a global issue during World War II mainly in Asian and South American countries. It is believed that the infection first appeared in the year 1772. But it was not until the early 20th century, that the cause actually came to be understood.
[Image to be added Soon]
Dengue Causes Symptoms and Prevention
It is believed that the most common symptoms include, high fever, headache, rashes, pain in the muscles as well as the joints. In certain severe cases it may also cause bleeding in the mouth and the nose, pain behind the eyes and even vomiting. Additionally it also causes chills, fatigue, loss in appetite or even swollen glands.
Other severe symptoms also include excessive bleeding, in drop platelets level, leakage of blood plasma and in some severe cases may even cause dengue shock syndrome, which results in an extreme drop of blood pressure to dangerously low levels.
These signs are very similar to the exact symptoms of the infection and include the following-
Bleeding of the mouth as well as the nose
Drop in level of blood pressure
Severe pain not only in joints but in the muscle as well
Rashes all over the body.
Fatigue, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting
Acute pain in the back of the eyes as well as the head
Weakness.
Treatment of The Dengue Fever
There is no specific treatment that is followed by doctors in order to treat infected patients. This does not mean that there is no treatment at all. What this means is that doctors use a combination of ways to treat it. This includes-
Medicine- A combination of painkillers such as tylenol, paracetamol and aspirin are used depending on the age in order to control not only the pain but the fever as well. Furthermore they use a combination of blood transfusions and fluid infusions in order to ensure that patients are always hydrated.
Hygiene- At the time of the infection, it is extremely important to ensure that the infected patients are safe and clean at all times. For which they are made to take either a sponge bath or a regular bath in water that is disinfected with solutions such as Dettol, Savlon etc. Furthermore their clothes must also be washed with disinfected liquid. Additionally, patients are also made to wash hands very frequently.
Preventive Measures of Dengue
Limited Skin Exposure- It is believed that the Female Aedes Mosquito, that is usually responsible for the spread of the infection is mostly active in the monsoon season i.e., during the months of August to October. So, during the time, it is advised that people wear longer plants as well as tops with longer sleeves anytime they venture out especially during early mornings and late evenings.
Mosquito Repellent- Another effective preventive measure is wearing mosquito repellents such as Odomos, etc., of their skin every time they venture out especially during early mornings and late evenings. These repellents are easily available in various forms such as gels, sprays, lotions and even wrist bands for that matter.
Avoid Water Stagnation- Lastly and most importantly, people must avoid water stagnation as much as possible. In case it is necessary in situations such as water shortage, etc., it must be kept covered and in a hygienic manner to avoid creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
FAQs on Dengue Symptoms and Prevention
1. What causes dengue fever and how is it transmitted?
Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which is a flavivirus. It is not contagious from person to person. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito. When this mosquito bites a person with dengue, it ingests the virus and, after an incubation period, can transmit it to the next person it bites.
2. What are the common symptoms of dengue, from mild to severe?
Dengue symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include a sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, severe joint and muscle pain (often called 'breakbone fever'), fatigue, and a skin rash. In severe cases, known as Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), a patient may experience persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and bleeding from the nose or gums.
3. Can you describe the typical day-by-day progression of dengue symptoms?
The progression of dengue typically occurs in three phases:
- Febrile Phase (Days 1-3): Characterised by a sudden onset of high fever (up to 104°F or 40°C), headache, and body aches.
- Critical Phase (Days 4-6): The fever may subside, but this is the most dangerous period. Warning signs for severe dengue appear, such as plasma leakage, a rapid drop in platelet count, and potential bleeding.
- Recovery Phase (Days 7-10): If the critical phase is managed well, the patient's condition improves, body fluids are reabsorbed, and platelet count begins to rise.
4. What are the key warning signs that indicate a dengue infection is becoming severe?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), immediate medical attention is required if a patient shows any of these warning signs, which typically appear as the fever subsides:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting (at least 3 times in 24 hours)
- Bleeding from the nose or gums
- Vomiting blood or blood in stool
- Feeling tired, restless, or irritable
- Rapid breathing
5. What are the most effective ways to prevent dengue infection at home and in the community?
Preventing dengue primarily involves controlling the mosquito population and avoiding bites. Key measures include:
- Eliminating breeding sites: Do not allow water to stagnate in coolers, flower pots, old tires, or any open containers.
- Using mosquito repellents: Apply repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Wearing protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during early morning and late afternoon when Aedes mosquitoes are most active.
- Installing screens: Use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
6. How does the dengue virus cause a drop in platelet count (thrombocytopenia)?
The dengue virus causes a drop in platelet count through two main mechanisms. First, it directly affects the bone marrow, which is where platelets are produced, leading to their suppression. Second, the body's immune response to the virus can create antibodies that mistakenly attack and destroy the platelets, a process known as antibody-mediated destruction. This combined effect leads to the characteristic low platelet count seen in dengue patients.
7. Why is there no specific antiviral drug for dengue, and what does treatment mainly involve?
There is no specific antiviral medication to treat dengue fever because the virus has four different serotypes, making it difficult to develop a drug or vaccine that is effective against all of them. Therefore, treatment is purely supportive and symptomatic. It focuses on managing symptoms by ensuring adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration, controlling fever with paracetamol (aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided as they can increase bleeding risk), and monitoring for warning signs.
8. How can one differentiate the symptoms of dengue from those of malaria and chikungunya?
While all three are mosquito-borne diseases with fever, they have distinct symptoms. Dengue is known for severe 'breakbone' pain and a significant drop in platelet count. Malaria typically presents with a cyclical pattern of fever, chills, and sweating. Chikungunya is primarily identified by excruciating and often debilitating pain in the joints, which can persist for months or even years, a symptom less prominent in dengue.
9. What is the specific role of the Aedes aegypti mosquito in the dengue transmission cycle?
The Aedes aegypti mosquito acts as a biological vector in the dengue transmission cycle. It is not just a mechanical carrier. When it bites a person infected with dengue, the virus replicates and spreads within the mosquito's body over 8-12 days. Only after this incubation period can the now-infected mosquito transmit the virus to a healthy person during its next blood meal, thus continuing the cycle.
