Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing severe flu-like symptoms.
Causative Agents:
Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus. There are four distinct serotypes of the virus: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4.
Mode of Transmission:
Transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti.
Symptoms:
Sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding (like nose bleed or gum bleeding).
Severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever) can cause plasma leakage, severe bleeding, and organ impairment.
Diagnosis:
Dengue is diagnosed using PCR, virus isolation in cell cultures, and serological tests to detect antibodies.
Clinical diagnosis based on symptoms and travel or residence history in dengue-endemic areas.
General Principles of Prevention and Control:
1. Vector Control:
Similar to Chikungunya, controlling the Aedes mosquito population is key in preventing Dengue. This involves removing standing water sources, using larvicides, and promoting community cleanup efforts to eliminate breeding sites.
2. Personal Protective Measures:
Use of mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, and using mosquito nets (including during the day) can prevent mosquito bites. Window and door screens can also help keep mosquitoes out.
3. Community Participation:
Community-driven efforts to reduce mosquito breeding sites and awareness campaigns about the importance of these measures are critical for Dengue prevention.
4. Vaccination:
In some countries, a dengue vaccine is available for individuals aged 9 to 45 years living in areas with high dengue transmission rates. The vaccine is administered in three doses over a 12-month period.
Treatment
Like chikungunya, there is no specific treatment for dengue.
Care is supportive, aiming to manage symptoms and include hydration and fever control.
Severe dengue requires hospital care to manage dehydration, bleeding complications, and shock.