How is Dengue Fever Caused and Spread?

Dengue fever is a mosquito-transmitted disease that affects tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Flu-like symptoms and a heat are signs of mild dengue fever. The severe variety of dengue fever, also referred to as dengue hemorrhagic fever, may result in fatalities as well as significant bleeding, a pointy drop in blood pressure, and shock.

Every year, dengue infections affect many people globally. Southeast Asia, the western Pacific islands, Latin America, and Africa are where dengue is most prevalent. Localized outbreaks of the disease are reported in Europe and the southern United States, among other new locations.

Transmission of the Virus

Dengue fever is a viral infection that is carried by the Aedes mosquito. This is often a disease that can be caused by anybody of the four related dengue viruses. The virus spreads throughout the mosquito's body for eight to 12 days after it has been ingested in the blood meal. The infected mosquito can still spread the dengue virus to another person while feeding after this time.

SYMPTOMS

Severe stomach pain

Persistent vomiting

Bleeding from your gums or nose

Blood in your urine, stools or vomit

Bleeding under the skin

Muscle, bone or joint pain

Causes

One of the four viruses—DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, or DEN-4—causes dengue disease. A single viral type can only infect a patient once. They can, however, become infected by two, if not all four, at once.

Treatment

Dr. B. Lal Clinical Laboratory provides some tests for the first detection of Dengue.

CHIKUNGUNYA & DENGUE- DETECTION OF RNA (Qualitative)

Dengue Antibody IgM ELISA

Dengue Antibody IgG ELISA

Dengue Antibody IgM & IgG ELISA

Dengue NS1 ELISA

Dengue NS1 Antibody IgM & IgG ELISA

DENGUE RAPID TEST ANTIGEN (NS-1) & DENGUE ANTIBODY (IgM, IgG)

DENGUE- DETECTION OF RNA (Qualitative)

Prevention

• Adopting personal protective measures for the house, like window screens, repellents, coils, and vaporizers. 
• The first mosquito vectors bite throughout the day, therefore these precautions must be taken both inside and out of doors of the home.
• Wear full-sleeved clothes
• Keep your windows closed to stop mosquitoes from entering
• Inspect your surroundings regularly for areas with stagnating water.

 

References

Source 1, Source 2

Author

Dr. Rajeev Pareek

(Consultant MD Pathology IFCAP)