Overview of Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes primarily the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions and it is known for causing high fever, severe headache and muscle and joint pains. Dengue is a significant world wide health concern with millions of cases reported annually.

Types of Dengue Fever

Dengue fever has four distinct types, referred to as Dengue Virus 1, 2, 3, and 4. The disease can cause various severity levels:

1. Classic Dengue Fever: Mild to moderate symptoms like fever and joint pain.

2. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever: Severe form involving bleeding, blood vessel leakage and low blood pressure.

3. Dengue Shock Syndrome: A critical condition where the body's blood pressure drops dramatically causing shock.

Symtoms of Dengue Fever

Common dengue symptoms include:

High fever

Severe headache

Pain behind the eyes

Muscle and joint pain (often called breakbone fever)

Rash

Nausea and vomiting

Mild bleeding such as nosebleeds or gum bleeding

Causes of Dengue Fever

• Dengue Virus: Caused by the dengue virus, transmitted through bites from infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
• Dengue Mosquito: The primary carrier, active during the day and thrives in tropical regions.
• Multiple Strains: Four different strains of the dengue virus increase the risk of reinfection.
• Breeding Grounds: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water like in containers and tires.
• Climate Conditions: Warm humid weather accelerates mosquito breeding, leading to outbreaks.
• Traveling: Visiting endemic areas increases the risk of infection.
• Poor Sanitation: Inadequate waste management and water drainage create ideal mosquito habitats.
• Weak Immune System: Individuals with weakened immunity are more vulnerable to severe dengue.
• Previous Infection: A second infection with a different strain can cause more severe symptoms.

Complications in Dengue Fever

• Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever: This severe form of dengue leads to bleeding and damage to blood vessels, making it a life-threatening condition.
• Dengue Shock Syndrome: Characterised by a dramatic drop in blood pressure it can lead to shock and organ failure.
• Organ Damage: Severe dengue can cause damage to the liver, heart, and other vital organs, potentially leading to long term complications.
• Fluid Imbalance: Severe fluid loss due to vomiting, bleeding, and fever may lead to dehydration and require IV fluids for recovery.
• Persistent Fatigue: Even after recovery from the fever, individuals may experience lingering fatigue for weeks.
• Post Dengue Syndrome: Some people suffer from long-term symptoms such as muscle and joint pain, headaches and mood swings.
• Increased Mortality: If not treated properly, dengue can be fatal, especially in infants, the elderly and those with weak immune systems.
• Neurological Effects: In rare cases, dengue fever can lead to complications like seizures and encephalitis (brain inflammation).
• Secondary Infections: Individuals recovering from dengue may be more vulnerable to other infections due to weakened immunity.
• Chronic Illness: Some survivors may have recurrent episodes or complications such as chronic fatigue syndrome.

Risk Factors of Dengue Fever

• Living in Endemic Areas: People living in tropical and subtropical regions with high dengue mosquito populations are at greater risk.
• Traveling to Affected Areas: If you visit a region with an active outbreak your risk increases.
• Previous Dengue Infection: A second infection can be more severe, particularly if it is from a different strain.
• Age: Children under five years old and older adults are more vulnerable to severe complications.
• Weakened Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing serious symptoms.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women may face a higher risk of complications for themselves and their babies.
• Poor Sanitation: In areas with poor waste management dengue mosquitoes find ideal breeding grounds.
• Lack of Mosquito Control: Poor mosquito control measures such as standing water and inadequate insect repellent use increase the likelihood of exposure.
• Chronic Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases or obesity can increase the risk of complications.
• Genetic Factors: Some genetic traits may make individuals more susceptible to severe forms of dengue.

Preventions of Dengue Fever

• Use Mosquito Repellent: Apply mosquito repellents on skin and clothing to avoid bites from the dengue mosquito.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Long sleeves and pants protect you from mosquito bites, especially in the early morning and evening.
• Eliminate Breeding Grounds: Remove standing water in containers, plants and other items where mosquitoes can breed.
• Install Screens: Ensure that windows and doors have screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
• Use Mosquito Nets: If sleeping in areas with a high mosquito population use nets to protect yourself.
• Stay Indoors During Peak Mosquito Activity: The dengue mosquito is most active early in the morning and late afternoon.
• Get Vaccinated: In some countries vaccines have been developed to reduce the severity of dengue infections.
• Community Control Programs: Participate in local efforts to control mosquito populations through regular spraying and sanitation.
• Avoid Travel to Endemic Areas: If you are traveling stay informed about active outbreaks of dengue fever.
• Educate Others: Spread awareness about preventing dengue and encourage people to take action against mosquitoes.