Dengue is a serious illness caused by a virus that’s spread through mosquito bites. It’s common in tropical and subtropical areas, like parts of Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean. Here’s an easy guide to understanding dengue, including its symptoms, prevention, and how to treat it.
What is Dengue?
Dengue is a viral infection passed on by Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes bite someone who has the virus and then spread it to others. The illness can be mild or severe. In serious cases, it can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of Dengue
Dengue symptoms usually start about 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common signs include:
- High Fever: A sudden, high fever that can reach up to 104°F (40°C).
- Severe Headache: Intense pain, especially behind the eyes.
- Muscle and Joint Pain: Often called “breakbone fever” due to the severe pain.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach and possibly throwing up.
- Tiredness: Extreme fatigue and weakness.
- Skin Rash: A rash that might appear a few days after the fever starts.
- Bleeding Symptoms: In severe cases, you might notice bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or easy bruising.
Diagnosing Dengue
If you think you have dengue, it’s important to see a doctor. They will:
- Ask About Symptoms and Travel History: The doctor will want to know if you’ve recently been in an area where dengue is common.
- Perform Blood Tests: These tests can check for the dengue virus or antibodies that show you’ve been exposed to it.
How to Prevent Dengue
Since there’s no specific medicine to cure dengue, preventing mosquito bites is the best way to avoid it. Here’s how:
- Use Insect Repellent: Apply repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks to cover your skin.
- Avoid Peak Mosquito Times: Aedes mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and late afternoon.
- Remove Mosquito Breeding Sites: Empty, clean, or cover any containers with standing water, like flower pots or buckets, where mosquitoes lay eggs.
- Use Mosquito Nets and Screens: Sleep under a mosquito net and use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
Treating Dengue
There’s no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Treatment focuses on easing symptoms and staying hydrated:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration, especially if you’re vomiting or have diarrhea.
- Take Pain Relief: Acetaminophen (paracetamol) can help with pain and fever. Avoid aspirin or NSAIDs, as they can increase bleeding risk.
- Monitor Your Health: In severe cases, you might need to go to the hospital for close monitoring and fluids.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you experience severe symptoms like persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding, or trouble breathing, get medical help immediately. Early treatment can help manage severe cases and prevent complications.
Dengue can be serious, but knowing its symptoms, how to prevent it, and how to treat it can help you stay safe. If you’re in an area where dengue is common, take steps to protect yourself from mosquito bites. If you think you might have dengue, see a doctor right away. With the right precautions and care, you can manage dengue effectively and reduce its impact on your life
