Dengue

Introduction
Dengue has now emerged as one of the major public health problems in Malaysia. It was first reported in 1901 in Penang and since that, the disease has become endemic throughout the country. The Dengue virus is a member of the virus family Flaviviridae and is transmitted to people through the bite of mosquitos Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Dengue virus is now believed to be the most common arthropod-borne disease in the world. Dengue is mainly found in the tropics because the mosquitoes require a warm climate. The virusis transmitted when a mosquito of the Aedes genus bites an individual infected with dengue virus. The virus in the blood of the infected individual then infects the mosquito and travels from the mosquito's stomach to its salivary glands were the virus multiplies. The virus is then injected into another person when the mosquito injects anticoagulants that prevent blood clotting when the mosquito is feeding. Signs and symptoms

High fever

hemorrhagic manifestation

Headache Nausea/ vomiting Muscle and joint pain

Treatment of Dengue This disease neither has specific cure nor vaccine available. Therefore as soon as there are any such indications, drink a lot of liquids as possible and contact the nearest health centre.

Prevention measures against Dengue 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Use mosquito repellents Discard all unwanted items getting gathered around the living area to avoid the breeding of mosquitoes. Keep the water stores clean and closed. Keep yourself well covered when outside. Take prompt medical advice once the fever start. Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day. Therefore, special precautions should be taken during early morning hours before day break and in the late afternoon before dark.

Conclusion Dengue is endemic in Malaysia, especially in the major towns. Thus concerted efforts have to be made by the health authorities to keep the incidence of cases low. Strategies to combat dengue have to be constantly monitored and reviewed as to their effectiveness and appropriateness. Community participation and support has to be continuously emphasized in all preventive and control activities so that dengue no longer remains as one of the major public health problems in the country.