DENGUE

Dengue fever, also known as breakbone fever, is a mosquito-borne infection that

can lead to a severe flu-like illness. It is caused by four dengue viruses and spread
by female mosquitoes of Aedes type. A vaccine for dengue fever has been
approved and is commercially available in a number of countries.[4][9] The
vaccine, however, is only recommended in those who have been previously
infected. Dengue has become a global problem since the Second World War and
is common in more than 120 countries, mainly in Asia and South America.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION
 Mosquito bite
 Perinatal transmission
 Blood transfusion
 Organ transplantation
 Needle stick injury or laboratory accident

SYMPTOMS
Symptoms, which usually begin four to six days after infection and last
for up to 10 days, may include
 Sudden, high fever
 Severe headaches
 Pain behind the eyes
 Severe joint and muscle pain
 Fatigue
 Nausea
 Vomiting
 Skin rash, which appears two to five days after the onset of fever
  Mild bleeding (such a nose bleed, bleeding gums, or easy bruising)
Sometimes, symptoms are mild and can be mistaken for those of
the flu or another viral infection. Younger children and people who
have never had the infection before tend to have milder cases than
older children and adults. However, serious problems can develop.
These include dengue hemorrhagic fever, a rare complication
characterized by high fever, damage to lymph and blood vessels,
bleeding from the nose and gums, enlargement of the liver, and failure
of the circulatory system. The symptoms may progress to massive
bleeding, shock, and death. This is called dengue shock syndrome (DSS).
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosing dengue fever can be difficult, because its signs and
symptoms can be easily confused with those of other diseases — such
as malaria, leptospirosis and typhoid fever. Certain clinical test are
done to confirm the disease.
 The virus may be isolated from the blood during the first few days
of infection.
 By reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR)
 By antibody test
TREATMENT
There is no specific medicine to treat dengue infection. Now a partially
effective vaccine for dengue fever is available. The vaccine can onlybe
used in people who have previously had a dengue infection as
otherwise there was evidence it may worsen subsequent infections.
However, intervention can help, depending on how severe the disease
is.
For milder forms, treatment includes:
 1. Preventing dehydration: A high fever and vomiting can dehydrate
the body. The person should drink clean water, ideally bottled
rather than tap water. Rehydration salts can also help replace
fluids and minerals.

2.Painkillers, such as Tylenol or paracetamol: These can help lower

fever and ease pain.
3.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or
ibuprofen, are not advised, as they can increase the risk of internal
bleeding.

More severe forms of dengue fever may need:

 intravenous (IV) fluid supplementation, or drip, if the person
cannot take fluids by mouth
 blood transfusion, for patients with severe dehydration
 Hospitalization will allow the individual to be properly monitored,
in case symptoms get worse.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
No vaccine can protect against dengue fever. Only avoiding mosquito
bites can prevent it. Anyone who lives in or travels to an at-risk area
can use a number of ways to avoid being bitten.
 Use mosquito nets that are treated with insecticide.
 When outdoor, reduce the amount of skin exposed by wearing
long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks, tucking pant legs into
shoes or socks, and wearing a hat.
 Use a mosquito repellent even outdoor
 Nets treated with insecticide are more effective, otherwise the
mosquito can bite through the net if the person is standing next
to it. The insecticide will kill mosquitoes and other insects, and it
will repel insects from entering the room.
 Structural barriers, such as screens or netting, can keep mosquitos
out.
 Heavily scented soaps and perfumes may attract mosquitos.
 Try to avoid being outside at dawn, dusk, and early evening.
 The Aedes mosquito breeds in clean, stagnant water. Checking for
and removing stagnant water can help reduce the risk.
 a partially effective vaccine for dengue fever became
commercially available in the Philippines and Indonesia. The
vaccine is only to be used in people who have previously had a
dengue infection as otherwise there was evidence it may worsen
subsequent infections.