• Dengue fever is a tropical disease caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti
• Millions are affected across the globe annually especially in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Signs and Symptoms
• Incubation period: 3 –14 days, with an average of 4 –7 days.
• The symptoms of dengue fever vary depending on the severity of the infection ranging from mild to severe.
Mild symptoms
• Mild dengue fever causes a high fever (40°C/104°F) and flu-like symptoms, such as:
• Headache
• Eye pain
• Muscle and joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash
• Swollen lymph nodes; and
• Rashes
• Mild dengue fever usually lasts for 2 to 7 days and resolves without complications.
Severe life-threatening complications:
• Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF): which involves bleeding from the nose, gums, skin or internal organs.
• Dengue shock syndrome (DSS): which causes _bleeding, plasma leakage and low blood pressure,rapid pulse and cold clammy skin.
• Organ failure, such as liver or kidney failure.
• Neurological complications, such as encephalitis or meningitis.
• Death.
NOTE: Severe dengue fever requires immediate medical attention and hospitalization.
Causes of Dengue Fever.
• Dengue fever is caused by one of the four serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 or DENV-4).
• The virus is then transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female mosquito of the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti.
•The mosquito becomes infected when it feeds on the blood of a person who has dengue virus in their blood.
• The virus then replicates in the mosquito's salivary glands and is injected into another person when the mosquito bites again.
Transmission
The virus can also be transmitted through blood transfusion, organ transplantation or vertical transmission from mother to foetus.
Prevention and Treatment
• Supportive care to manage the symptoms and preventive hydration; have over time proven effectual.
• Dengue fever is best prevented by evading mosquito bites and getting rid mosquito breeding sites such as stagnant water(s), wet rubbish pits etc.
• Some discoveries led towards the two types of dengue vaccine being available to the public although they have limited efficacy and rising concerns on safety issues. These are:
[1] Dengvaxia a live attenuated vaccine that was approved in 2016, but only recommended for people who have had a previous infection with dengue virus, or in populations with a high rate of prior infection by age nine.
[2] Qdenga a live tetravalent vaccine that was approved in 2022, and is recommended for adults, adolescents and children from four years of age.
• Both vaccines require three doses over a period of six to twelve months .
• Their limitation is that both vaccines can reduce the risk of severe dengue fever, but they can also increase the risk of hospitalization or severe disease.
Supportive care includes:
• Resting and drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Taking paracetamol (acetaminophen) to reduce fever and pain.
• Avoiding aspirin or ibuprofen(NSAIDS) which can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Monitoring for signs of severe dengue fever, such as bleeding or shock.
• Seeking medical attention whenever the symptoms worsen or a resulting deteriorated health.
To avoid mosquito bites:
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants
• Use insect(mosquito) repellents containing DEET or picaridin on exposed skin.
• Use mosquito nets or screens on windows and doors.
• Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during dawn and dusk; this is when mosquitoes are most active.
To eliminate mosquito breeding sites:
• Dispose off or cover any containers that can hold water, such as buckets, tires, flower pots or vases.
• Regularly change the water in birdbaths, fountains or pet bowls.
• Clean gutters and drains to prevent water accumulation.
• Make sure stagnant water is gotten rid of around the living/ working environs with or without the help of local authorities.
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