Dengue fever is a painful and debilitating mosquito-borne disease caused by dengue viruses. It poses a significant public health threat globally, with an estimated 390 million dengue infections and up to 36,000 deaths occurring each year. To raise awareness about this disease, National Dengue Day is observed worldwide on May 16th. Our Wellness team aims, to provide an overview of dengue fever, including its warning signs, transmission methods, symptoms, prevention strategies, treatment options, and essential do’s and don’ts.
Warning Signs:
Dengue fever often begins with mild symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and rash. In severe cases, warning signs may include persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding from the gums or nose, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and restlessness. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if any of these warning signs appear, as severe dengue can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated.
Transmission of Dengue:
Dengue is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti species. These mosquitoes breed in stagnant water found in and around human dwellings and are most active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Although less common, dengue can also be transmitted through blood transfusion or organ transplantation from infected donors.
Symptoms of Dengue:
Symptoms of dengue fever typically appear 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Mild dengue fever symptoms may last for about a week, while severe dengue symptoms can persist for several days and may require hospitalization. It is essential to monitor for warning signs of severe dengue and seek medical care promptly if symptoms worsen.
Prevention of Dengue:
Preventing mosquito bites is the most effective way to prevent dengue fever. This includes using mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants, and using mosquito nets while sleeping. Eliminating breeding sites for mosquitoes by draining stagnant water from containers, cleaning water storage containers regularly, and covering water storage containers to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs are also crucial preventive measures. Community efforts such as vector control programs and public awareness campaigns play a significant role in preventing dengue outbreaks.
Treatment of Dengue:
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever. Treatment mainly focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Patients with mild dengue fever are advised to rest, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, and take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen to reduce fever and relieve pain. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for close monitoring and supportive care, including intravenous fluids and blood transfusions if necessary.
Do’s and Don’ts of Dengue:
– Do use mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
– Do wear long-sleeved clothing and pants, especially during peak mosquito activity hours.
– Do keep windows and doors closed or use screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
– Do dispose of or cover water containers to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
– Don’t leave stagnant water around your home, as it provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
– Don’t ignore warning signs of severe dengue. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms worsen.
– Don’t self-medicate with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as they can increase the risk of bleeding complications in dengue fever.
National Dengue Day serves as a reminder of the importance of collective efforts in preventing and controlling dengue fever. By raising awareness, implementing preventive measures, and ensuring timely medical care, we can reduce the burden of dengue and protect public health. It is crucial for individuals, communities, and healthcare systems to work together in combating this potentially life-threatening disease.