Introduction
Dengue is one of the fastest-spread viral infections by mosquitoes and affects millions around the world, more in tropical & subtropical countries. Dengue fever has flu-like symptoms, but in severe form can lead to death as well. It is very important to have some knowledge & information about Dengue like how it spreads, what the symptoms are, and how can we treat and prevent ourselves in areas with the presence of this vector.What is Dengue?
Dengue is a virus infection that spreads through the bite of an Aedes mosquito especially found to break during daylight. The disease is caused by four related viruses, each referred to as a serotype, and if an individual has been infected with one type of the virus for life but does not the others. The viral varieties are at least partially responsible for making individuals susceptible to multiple dengue infections throughout their lives.
Causes of Dengue
Dengue Virus and Transmission
It is spread by the bite of an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito. If such 80 mosquitoes enter a house, and if they suck the blood of any individual who is suffering from the dengue virus then in the next few days these mosquitoes become a one-stop solution to transfer disease. This can then be transmitted to another person when that mosquito bites them and the virus is transferred into their bloodstream.
Types of Dengue Viruses
You will know that dengue is a viral disease caused by 4 known serotypes of the virus: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3; or else you wontMITTED) An individual who is infected by one serotype only becomes immune to it, which still makes him or her susceptible to the other remaining 3 types. Indeed, reinfection with a second serotype often leads to more severe disease.
Symptoms of Dengue
Symptoms of dengue fever range from mild to severe and most often mimic a flu-like illness. A: These generally develop around 4-10 days after a mosquito bite and are self-limiting over roughly the next week to between two and seven days.
Early Symptoms
Symptoms of dengue can be mild to severe.
Sudden high fever
Severe headache
Pain behind the eyes
Joint and muscle pain
Fatigue
Skin rash
Bleeding (nasal or gums bleeding)
Severe Symptoms
Sometimes, dengue may develop into worse situations and need to perform emergency treatment.
Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF)
A severe form of dengue that results in blood plasma leakage, bleeding, and low platelet counts is called DHF. IT can have some severe complications like liver damage and one should be in the hospital to help manage all the symptoms correctly.
Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS)
Spinal shock is the most severe kind of DHF also called DSS, a reversible neurological state due to temporary suppression, but despite the horror, it still misleads clinicians for this name tells nothing about its fact that without confusion we refer to the desired syndrome because no matter how moderate you experience great stress you must proceed with reasonable steps as mournfully low blood pressure (hence that dreadful term shock) feature may be fatal. If not treated promptly. This is the pathway towards organ failure, hyperthermia dehydration, and massive internal bleeding.
How is Dengue Diagnosed?
Dengue diagnosis depends on symptoms, the history of the patient, and further laboratory tests. There might be a serologic test or blood sample sent to the lab for virus identification by performing PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Detecting the condition early is important because it can allow you to control symptoms and keep serious complications at bay.
Treatment for Dengue
Ambulatory Care and Supportive Treatment
There is no antiviral treatment for dengue. For most of us, we can treat these at home with a little rest and hydration as well as over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen for fever and pain relief. Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin) because they can make you bleed.
Treatment for Severe Dengue in Hospital
Hospitalization: Patients with severe dengue, such as DHF or DSS are usually hospitalized. Treatment is directed at maintaining fluid balance with intravenous (IV) fluids, controlling blood pressure, and sometimes managing bleeding. In some cases, you may even need a blood transfusion.
Complications of Dengue
Although most people quickly recover, dengue can trigger other complications such as severe dehydration; organ failure, or long-term fatigue. Untreated dengue may also increase the probability of chronic conditions due to poor treatment. Pregnant women and babies are most susceptible to serious nonlinear diseases, dengue.
How to Prevent Dengue?
The best way to prevent dengue fever is, of course, avoiding mosquito bites and controlling mosquitoes.
Mosquito Control Measures
By working together communities and governments can identify ways in which the breeding of mosquitoes is at its lowest. This consists of decent garbage management, draining stagnant water, and using insecticides in high-risk mosquito breeding sites.
Protection From Mosquitoes For Personal
On an individual level, using insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved dresses, and sleeping under mosquito nets help to reduce the number of bites. risk of being bitten. Insect repellants, screens in windows, and doors that are open for fresh air can also help prevent mosquito bites.
Community Efforts
The involvement of the community is very important in controlling dengue. These methods include ensuring containers are clean, properly covered, and/or sealed appropriately while keeping larger-scale mosquito control from public health campaigns can be done.
Vaccination Against Dengue
There is a vaccine for dengue called Dengvaxia. But it is generally advised for those who have already had the virus. The rationale is that persons without previous dengue virus exposure, they will experience an increased risk of severe dengue after subsequent infections if they obtain the vaccine. It is recommended by the World Health Organization in high-risk areas, and for people who have already been exposed to Ebola.
Conclusion
Dengue causes a high impact and burden on public health, but raising awareness through prevention strategies entailing the population at risk can substantially decrease it with prompt medical intervention. Stay alert, be vigilant, and protect yourself. from mosquito bites, and understanding the risks can go a long way in safeguarding you and your community from this potentially deadly disease. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to Dengue. Stay informed, take necessary precautions, and seek medical help if needed. Stay safe and healthy! with better knowledge and information.
