Dengue: an infectious viral disease

Dengue fever is an acute infectious viral disease, caused by all four types of dengue virus 1, 2, 3 and 4. It is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes, most commonly Aedes aegypti found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Each year tens of millions of people are affected by the disease. The highest incidence of dengue is in Southeast Asia, India and the American tropics where Aedes aegypti can be found.

Fever, with a sudden onset, often rising to 40-40.5 degrees centigrade.

Rash, which shows up 3-4 days after the start of the symptoms, starting from the trunk region and spreading to the face, arms and legs.

Painful aching in the legs and joints occurs during the first hours of illness.

Dengue strikes people with low levels of immunity. Dengue starts with chills, headache, pain and low backache.

In case of dengue, white blood cells test will reveal less than normal number of leukocytes (4000-10,000/cm) or white blood cells in the blood.
Thrombocytopoenia: Total platelets count in the blood may be very low in dengue fever.
Serum tests measure the antibody produced against dengue virus.

Taking proper rest and sufficient fluid intake for adequate hydration is important during dengue.

Personal protection against mosquito bites should be done by using mosquito repellents creams, coils and mats.

Use mosquito nets at home at night to avoid mosquito bite.

Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day; therefore, special precautions should be taken during early morning hours before day break and in the late afternoon before dark.

Care should be taken to see that there are no stagnating water bodies around the living areas and the surroundings are kept clean.

It is advisable not to store water in open containers. Covering all water containers with lids help prevent breeding of mosquitoes. Factors like overcrowding, open water storage and irrigation canals provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Personal protection against mosquito bites should be done by wearing full sleeved clothes that cover the body while going out for a walk in the morning or in the evening.

Stagnating water bodies like overhead water tanks should be covered and must be cleaned regularly.

Cleaning the margins of water containers to dislodge the breeding of mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti.

Clean your air coolers on a regular basis and change water everyday to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Call a mosquito control agency and get your home sprayed to stop the spread of mosquito borne health problems like dengue and malaria.

Prevent mosquito entry by keeping doors closed and windows screened during the late afternoon before dark.