DO YOU KNOW ?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS : DENGUE / DENGUE FEVER

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

MYTHS & TRUTHS

AEDES FACTS !

Aedes aegypti, also known as the “yellow fever mosquito”, is an invasive mosquito. This black and white striped mosquito bites people and animals during the day.

DID YOU KNOW ?

• 1. Only the female Aedes mosquito bites as it needs the protein in blood to develop its eggs. 
• Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in small artificial or natural containers that hold water. Containers can include dishes under potted plants, bird baths, ornamental fountains, tin cans, or discarded tires. Even a small amount of standing water can produce mosquitoes.
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• 2. The mosquito becomes ineffective approximately seven days after it has bitten a person carrying the virus. 
• This is the extrinsic incubation period, during which time the virus replicates in the mosquito and reaches the salivary glands.
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• 3. Peak biting is at dawn and dusk.
• This mosquito bites primarily during the day, both indoors and outdoors. They are most active for approximately two hours after sunrise and several hours before sunset, but can bite at night in well-lit areas. Aedes aegypti can bite people without being noticed. This mosquito prefers biting people but it also bites dogs and other domestic animals, mostly mammals. 
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• 4. The average lifespan of an Aedes mosquito in Nature is two weeks.
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• 5. The mosquito can lay eggs about three times in its lifetime, and about 100 eggs are produced each time.
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• 6. The eggs can lie dormant in dry conditions for up to about nine months, after which they can hatch if exposed to favorable conditions, i.e. water and food.
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Source from National Environment Agency