Dengue

Credits: (World Mosquito Program) http://www.eliminatedengue.com/our-research/aedes-aegypti

Dengue is an acute fever caused by a virus. It occurs in two forms:

• Dengue Fever
• Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Dengue Fever is marked by the onset of sudden high fever, severe headache and
pain behind the eyes, muscles and joints.

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a more severe form, in which bleeding and
sometimes shock occurs – leading to death. It is most serious in children. Symptoms
of bleeding usually occur after 3-5 days of fever.

Transmission
Dengue is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito Aedes aegypti, a day biting
mosquito which lays eggs in clear and stagnant water found in flower vases, cans, rain
barrels, old rubber tires, etc. The adult mosquitoes rest in dark places of the house.
The mosquito gets the virus by biting the infected persons mostly during day time.The
first symptoms of the disease occur about 5-7 days after an infected bite.

There is no way to tell if a mosquito is carrying the dengue virus. People, especially
children must protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Signs and Symptoms – Dengue Fever
• Sudden onset of high fever
• Severe headache (mostly in the forehead)
• Pain behind the eyes which worsens with eye movement
• Body aches and joint pains
• Nausea or vomiting

Signs and Symptoms – Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

• Sudden onset of high fever which may last 2 to 7 days.
• Joint and muscle pain and pain behind the eyes.
• Weakness, restlessness, sleepiness
• Skin rashes – maculopapular rash or red tiny spots on the skin called petechiae
• Nosebleeding when fever starts to subside
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting of coffee-colored matter
• Dark-colored stools
Prevention and Control
Follow the 4-S against Dengue:
1. Search and Destroy
99 Cover water drums and pails.
99 Replace water in flower vases once
a week.
99 Clean gutters of leaves and debris.
99 Collect and dispose all unusable tin
cans, jars, bottles and other items
that can collect and hold water.
2. Self-Protection Measures
99 Wear long pants and long-sleeved
shirt.
99 Use mosquito repellant every day.
3. Seek Early Consultation
99 Consult the doctors immediately if
fever persists after 2 days and rashes
appears.
4. Say Yes to Fogging When There is
an Impending Outbreak or a Hotspot

REFERENCES:
WHO Fact Sheet – www.searo.who.int
Department of Health – Health Advisory, www.doh.gov.ph