Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes that can cause fever, and pain in the joints and muscles, especially the back and legs. In its most severe form, as dengue hemorrhagic fever, dengue affects blood vessels, causing bleeding under the skin and in the organs that can lead to severe blood loss and death.
Types
Dengue fever can be very mild, with flu-like symptoms, sore throat and low fever that last only a few days. You may not even realize that you are infected. Dengue can also cause more serious illness, with high fever, pain behind the eyes, nausea, rash and severe joint and muscle aches.
Dengue hemorrhagic fever occurs as a complication of dengue. Fever usually spikes to extremely high temperatures and levels of platelets--the cells in your blood that aid in clotting--decrease. Blood vessels become leaky, causing bruising or bleeding from mucous membranes in the eyes, nose and mouth. In severe cases, blood loss can lead to hypovolemic shock or death when too little blood is able to reach the heart and brain.
Prevention/Solution
Since dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes, the best way to prevent infection is to protect yourself against mosquito bites. The mosquitoes that spread dengue are most active during the day, so even in warm weather it is important to wear light-colored clothing with long pants and long sleeves if you are traveling in areas where dengue infection is high. Spray an insect repellent that contains DEET on any exposed skin.
There is no vaccine or medication specifically for dengue at this time. Treating the symptoms of severe dengue mainly involves replacing lost fluids and electrolytes.
Considerations
Incidence of dengue has increased in many areas around the world as mosquito populations increase. Urban and suburban areas with standing water that act as a breeding ground for mosquitoes are most at risk. Watch for any areas of standing water around your home if you live in a subtropical or tropical area. Cover any open containers that may collect rainfall. Apply insecticides or introduce mosquito-eating fish to standing ponds.
Significance
Dengue is increasing around the world and is believed to infect over 50 million people a year. Once confined to more tropical and subtropical areas of the world in underdeveloped countries, dengue has now spread to developed nations including the United States. Prevention of dengue is exceptionally important since up to 90 percent of those infected with dengue a second time will progress to the hemorrhagic form. Children have a greater chance of developing the hemorrhagic form.
Warning
Since dengue fever can progress to the hemorrhagic form, it is important to see your doctor right away if you develop a flu-like illness with fever after traveling to a subtropical or tropical country. See a doctor if you develop such symptoms while you are still traveling, especially if you develop a skin rash or bruising. If your children experience such symptoms you should immediately take them to see a doctor.
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