The Aedes egypti mosquito spreads the virus to a human being through its bite. Once the human has been bitten, the virus travels through the glands. When it reaches there, it multiplies and can enter the blood stream. Luckily, dengue fever cannot be passed from one person to another.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever
Dengue fever usually starts with a high sudden fever, which ranges from 104-105 ° F. Earlier during the infection, a flat, red rash may appear over most of the body, Later during the disease, a second rash which resembles measles may appear. People who have been infected by this virus may have increased sensitivity in their skin.Apart from these, the other symptoms are:
- A headache
- Pain in the joints
- Pain in the muscles
- Swelling in the lymph nodes
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
Serious cases of dengue fever are the dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS).
A person who has had dengue fever is protected by antibodies, which prevent it from occurring again for around a year. Though it is important to mention that severe cases of dengue fever are related to patients who have already had the virus. This is because the immune system recognizes the virus and overreacts.
Places where dengue fever is common
Dengue fever is common in Africa, China, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, South and Central America, the Caribbean islands, Australia, and the South and Central Pacific. This disease usually occurs during or shortly after the rainy season.
Diagnosis
Dengue fever can be confirmed by a blood test. There are 2 testing methods that are used. In one, the virus is detected by a culture while in the other it is detected by the anti-dengue bodies in the blood.
Treatment
Treatment concerning dengue fever focuses on medicines which are used to lower fever and reduce pain. Fluids and bed rest are two important components of getting better. In extreme cases, blood transfusion is given. For patients that suffer from dengue shock syndrome (DSS), oxygen has to be provided. Almost all the patients suffering from dengue fever have a complete recovery.
Care Tips
Since there is no vaccination to prevent dengue fever, you need to take care of yourself while traveling to the destinations where dengue occurs and to other places where it might:
You can do this by:
- Using mosquito repellents.
- Wearing long sleeved shirts and trousers tucked into socks while outdoors.
- Avoiding areas that are very populated.
- Sleeping with bed nets on, if the sleeping area is not screened or air-conditioned.
- Keeping the area that surrounds your living quarters clean.
- Making sure there is no stagnant water nearby.
