Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a mosquito borne disease transmitted by the urban mosquito species, Aedes aegypti. It is rather shocking that two out of every five people in the world are at risk. This is especially true of urban and semi urban areas in tropical and sub tropical climates.

Dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever is the leading cause of death in most Asian countries.

It is significant to note that dengue presents itself with severe flu-like symptoms and affects a large number of people especially in areas that have common household water storage and where waste water disposal methods are either absent or inadequate. It is again significant to note that there is no specified treatment for this dengue; however appropriate medical care can prove useful in preventing the serious consequences of dengue hemorrhagic fever.

The virus of dengue fever is spread to humans by the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that acquire this virus when they feed on the blood of an infected person. It is significant to note that Aedes mosquitoes pass on these viruses for the rest of their lives after an incubation period of about 8 to 10 days when they bite and feed on the blood of people. This species has the ability to also pass on the virus to their off-spring, however it is still unknown if the off-spring have the same ability to transport the virus.

It is depressing to know that the infected act both as carriers and multipliers of the dengue virus.

Dengue fever gives severe flu like symptoms. Presenting itself as a fever and rash in infants and small children, older children and adults may have either mild or high fever, with headache, pain in the joints, muscles and near the eyes that can be incapacitating. Dengue can often lead to liver enlargement and circulatory failure complications or / and show up as convulsions. Severe cases can cause death within just 12 to 24 hours.

The virus that circulates in the blood of the person infected with dengue is easily picked up by Aedes mosquitoes that feed on their blood during infection. It is significant to note that even monkeys are capable of being carriers. It is again significant to note that dengue does not build up immunity for life, but only for that particular strain of dengue that caused the infection. Therefore, prevention of dengue is better than cure.

So it is advisable and in your best interest to prevent transmission of these viruses by taking proactive steps for the proper disposal of solid waste and improving water storage facilities. Keeping water containers properly covered would prevent female Aedes mosquitoes from laying eggs. In addition, the periodic application of appropriate insecticides to the bodies of water in which these mosquitoes lay their eggs and the putting of small mosquito-eating fish and copepods would help.

Lastly, avoid mosquito bites. This can be best accomplished by wearing clothing of light colours that have long sleeves and cover the skin fully. It is best to stay in cool areas especially in the mosquito breeding season; using air-conditioned rooms is helpful. Mosquito repellents, bats and nets could also help deter mosquitoes and prevent catching dengue.