Where does the disease occur?
Dengue is mainly transmitted by a mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and is distributed across all tropical countries. Ae. aegypti and other species such as Ae. albopictus are highly adaptive and their combined distribution can spread dengue higher up north across Europe or North America during summer. (Note: Travellers already infected with the virus also spread the disease when they get bitten by the local Aedes mosquito population).
Dengue outbreaks can occur anytime, as long as the mosquitoes are still active. However, in general, high humidity and temperature are conditions that favor mosquito survival, increasing the likelihood of transmission.
What is the treatment for dengue?
There is no vaccine or specific medication for dengue fever.
Patients should seek medical advice, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Paracetamol can be taken to bring down fever and reduce joint pains. However, aspirin or ibuprofen should not be taken since they can increase the risk of bleeding.
Patients who are already infected with the dengue virus can transmit the infection via Aedes mosquitoes after the first symptoms appear (during 4-5 days; maximum 12). As a precautionary approach, patients can adopt measures to reduce transmission by sleeping under a treated net especially during the period of illness with fever.
Infection with one strain will provide lifetime protection only against that particular strain. However, it is still possible to become infected by other strains and develop into severe dengue.
When warning signs of severe dengue are present (listed above), it is imperative to consult a doctor and seek hospitalization to manage the disease.
With proper medical care and early recognition, case-fatality rates are below 1%. However, the overall experience remains very discomforting and unpleasant.
What should I do if I suspect I have dengue?
If you suspect you have dengue you need to see a doctor immediately. To diagnose dengue fever, your doctor will:
· Evaluate your signs and symptoms;
· Test your blood for evidence of a dengue virus;
· Review your medical and travel history.
Persons who had travelled to dengue endemic countries during the past two weeks should inform the doctor about it.
Personal and household protection
Protecting yourself from mosquito bites is most effective by reducing exposed skin to a mosquitoes to bite on. Long-sleeved clothing and mosquito repellents (containing DEET, IR3535 or Icaridin) are the most viable options.
Window and door screens, air conditioning reduces the risk of mosquitoes coming into contact with the household members. Mosquito nets (and/or insecticide-treated nets) will also provide additional protection to people sleeping during the day, or protect against other mosquitoes which can bite at night (such as malaria). Household insecticides aerosols, mosquito coils or other insecticide vaporizers maybe also reduce biting activity.
Source from World Health Organization
No comments:
Post a Comment