Dengue Fever_ Causes, Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment

1. Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus, is a significant public health issue in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. This blog post will delve into the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of dengue fever, with a focus on essential aspects such as the dengue virus, dengue test, dengue vaccine, dengue platelet count, and the duration of the illness.v Dengue Fever: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment Causes of Dengue Fever The dengue virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes are commonly found in urban and semi-urban areas and are most active during the day, with peak biting times in the early morning and late afternoon. The virus can also be transmitted through blood transfusions and from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. Symptoms of Dengue Fever Following an incubation period of 4 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, symptoms of dengue fever typically manifest. The most common symptoms include: 1. High Fever: Sudden onset of high-grade fever, often reaching 104°F (40°C) or higher. 2. Severe Headache: Intense headaches, primarily located behind the eyes. 3. Joint and Muscle Pain: Severe joint and muscle pain, often described as aching or bone- breaking pain. 4. Rash: A maculopapular rash that appears two to five days after the onset of fever. 5. Fatigue: Generalized weakness, fatigue, and malaise. 6. Mild Bleeding: Some individuals may experience mild bleeding from the nose or gums, as well as easy bruising. In severe cases, dengue can progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Warning signs of severe dengue include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, difficulty breathing, restlessness, and blood in vomit or stools. These severe forms of dengue can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Diagnosis and Dengue Test

2. Healthcare professionals employ various diagnostic methods to confirm dengue fever. One common approach involves dengue tests, which typically include blood tests to detect the presence of the dengue virus or antibodies produced in response to the infection. The NS1 antigen test detects the presence of a viral protein called NS1 antigen in the blood. It is most effective during the early stages of infection when the virus is actively replicating. The dengue antibody test, also known as serology, checks for the presence of antibodies (IgM and IgG) against the dengue virus. IgM antibodies are typically detectable during the acute phase, while IgG antibodies indicate past infection or vaccination. Prevention of Dengue Fever Preventing dengue fever involves both individual and community-based measures to reduce mosquito populations and minimize exposure to mosquito bites. Key preventive measures include: 1. Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Sites: Removing standing water from containers, flower pots, discarded tires, and other objects that can collect water, as mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. 2. Mosquito Repellents: Using insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin. 3. Protective Clothing: Wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks to minimize exposed skin areas. 4. Window Screens and Bed Nets: Installing window screens and using bed nets, especially during sleep hours, to prevent mosquitoes from entering living areas. 5. Community-Wide Mosquito Control: Implementing community efforts such as larviciding (treating water sources with larvicides to kill mosquito larvae) and insecticide spraying to control mosquito populations. Dengue Vaccine and Treatment Currently, the only licensed dengue vaccine is Dengvaxia. It is recommended for individuals aged 9 to 45 years living in areas with high dengue transmission rates. The vaccine provides partial protection against dengue and can help reduce the severity of the disease in vaccinated individuals. However, it is essential to note that the vaccine is not effective against all four dengue serotypes and may not be universally available. There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever. Medical care primarily focuses on relieving symptoms and providing supportive care. It is crucial to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially oral rehydration solutions. Managing fever and pain with appropriate medications, such as acetaminophen (paracetamol), is also recommended. However, non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin should be avoided, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.

3. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required, particularly for individuals with dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. Close monitoring of the dengue platelet count is crucial, as a significant drop in platelets may indicate a severe form of the disease and the need for immediate medical intervention. Duration of Dengue Fever and Repeat Infections The duration of dengue fever can vary from person to person. Generally, the acute phase of the illness lasts for about 2 to 7 days. During this period, individuals experience symptoms such as high fever, body aches, and rash. After the acute phase, the recovery phase begins, during which the fever subsides, but weakness and fatigue may persist for several weeks. It is possible to get dengue fever multiple times. However, subsequent infections with different dengue serotypes can potentially increase the risk of severe dengue, especially if the individual had prior immunity to a different serotype. This is due to a phenomenon called antibody-dependent enhancement, where antibodies from a previous infection can facilitate the entry of a different dengue serotype into cells, leading to more severe disease manifestations. Therefore, individuals who have had dengue in the past should take precautions to avoid further mosquito bites to minimize the risk of subsequent infections. SimpleeKare Health N2, 19 IRC Village Nayapalli Bhubaneswar