Understanding Dengue: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

 1. what is dengue ?

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female mosquitoes, primarily the "Aedes aegypti" and "Aedes albopictus" species. It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.

"Key Points about Dengue"

1. "Virus"

2. "Symptoms"

3. "Transmission"

4. "Treatment"

5. "Prevention"

1. "Virus" : Dengue is caused by the dengue virus, which has four distinct serotypes (DEN-1, DEN-2,       DEN-3, and DEN-4). Infection with one serotype provides lifelong immunity to that specific                   serotype but not to the others.

2. "Symptoms" :

<> High fever

<> Severe headache

<> Pain behind the eyes

<> Joint and muscle pain (often called "breakbone fever")

<> Rash

<> Nausea and vomiting

<> Mild bleeding (such as nose or gum bleeding)

  In severe cases, dengue can develop into "severe dengue" (formerly known as dengue hemorrhagic        fever), which can lead to complications such as plasma leakage, severe bleeding, and organ                    impairment, and can be life-threatening.

3. "Transmission" : Dengue is not spread directly from person to person. Instead, the virus is                     transmitted when a mosquito bites an infected person and later bites a healthy person, transferring the     virus.

4. "Treatment" : There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Management focuses on relieving       symptoms (pain relief, hydration). Severe cases require hospitalization to manage complications, and     in some cases, intensive care.

5. "Prevention" : The main way to prevent dengue is to avoid mosquito bites. This can be achieved           through:

<> Using mosquito repellents

<> Wearing long-sleeved clothing

<> Sleeping under mosquito nets

<> Eliminating mosquito breeding sites, such as stagnant water.

There are vaccines like "Dengvaxia", but they are not widely available and are recommended only for those who have already had a prior dengue infection due to risks associated with first-time infections after vaccination.

2. How to prevent dengue?

Preventing dengue primarily involves reducing exposure to mosquitoes, especially "Aedes aegypti", the primary carrier of the dengue virus. Here are some effective ways to prevent dengue:

1. "Avoid Mosquito Bites"

2. "Eliminate Breeding Sites"

3. "Use Insecticides"

4. "Community Actions"

5. "Dengue Vaccine"

1. "Avoid Mosquito Bites"

<> "Use mosquito repellents" : Apply repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus,         or IR3535 on exposed skin.

<> "Wear protective clothing" : Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes when outdoors,         especially during peak mosquito activity times (early morning and late afternoon).

<> "Use mosquito nets" : Sleep under mosquito nets, especially if sleeping outdoors or in areas with          poor mosquito control.

<> "Install window and door screens" : Keep mosquitoes out by ensuring that windows and doors are        properly screened.

2. "Eliminate Breeding Sites"

<> "Remove standing water" : Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so regularly empty or clean                  containers like buckets, plant saucers, flowerpots, and pet dishes. 

<> "Clean gutters" : Ensure that gutters are not clogged, which can lead to water buildup.

<> "Cover water storage containers" : If you store water, make sure containers are covered tightly to          prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.

<> "Discard old tires and containers" : Old tires, bottles, and other trash can collect water and become        mosquito breeding grounds.

3. "Use Insecticides"

<> "Spray insecticides" : Use outdoor insecticides or larvicides (to target mosquito larvae) in places            where mosquitoes breed, such as in stagnant water. Follow recommended safety protocols.

<> "Treat indoor spaces" : Use indoor sprays or foggers to kill adult mosquitoes in living spaces.

4. "Community Actions"

<> "Join community clean-ups" : Coordinate with local authorities and neighbors to regularly clean up      public spaces and remove mosquito breeding sites in the community.

<> "Advocate for public health measures" : Push for government efforts like fogging programs and             educational campaigns about dengue prevention.

5. "Dengue Vaccine"

<> "Dengue vaccination" : In some countries, there is a vaccine (Dengvaxia) available for individuals         who have previously been infected with dengue. It’s recommended for people aged 9 to 45 living in       endemic areas, but it’s important to consult with healthcare providers before receiving the vaccine.

By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of contracting dengue fever.

3. What are 7 warning signs of dengue?

Dengue can cause mild to severe illness, and it is important to recognize the warning signs that suggest the condition may be becoming more serious, especially when it transitions from mild dengue fever to severe dengue (previously called dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome). Here are "seven key warning signs" that you should watch out for, typically occurring 3-7 days after the onset of symptoms:

1. "Severe Abdominal Pain"

2. "Persistent Vomiting"

3. "Bleeding Gums or Nose"

4. "Blood in Vomit or Stool"

5. "Fatigue or Restlessness"

6. "Difficulty Breathing"

7. "Cold or Clammy Skin"

1. "Severe Abdominal Pain"

<> Persistent or worsening pain in the abdomen can indicate severe dengue. This is a major sign that           the infection is affecting internal organs.

2. "Persistent Vomiting"

<> Vomiting that occurs more than three times a day is a warning sign that the disease is progressing            and could lead to dehydration or other complications.

3. "Bleeding Gums or Nose"

<> Unexplained bleeding from the gums or nose, as well as easy bruising, are signs of bleeding                   disorders caused by a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia).

4. "Blood in Vomit or Stool"

<> The appearance of blood in vomit (hematemesis) or stool (melena, which may look like black, tarry        stool) is a serious indication of internal bleeding.

5. "Fatigue or Restlessness"

<> Severe weakness, fatigue, or restlessness, especially if accompanied by drowsiness, can indicate the        onset of dengue shock syndrome (a dangerous drop in blood pressure).

6. "Difficulty Breathing"

<> Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath could suggest fluid buildup in the lungs (pleural                 effusion), which is a serious complication of severe dengue.

7. "Cold or Clammy Skin"

<> If a person’s skin feels cold or clammy, or if they develop pale, mottled, or bluish skin (cyanosis), it       is a sign of circulatory collapse, which is life-threatening.

Important notice : If you notice any symptoms of such a disease, you should definitely consult a doctor so that you can be treated. Do not try to find solutions at home