dengue is a viral illness that is transmitted by mosquitoes. It is caused by one of four types of viruses (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, or DENV-4). Symptoms of fever typically begin four to six days after infection and may include fever, chills, headache, joint and muscle pain, and rash. In some cases, It can progress to a more severe form called hemorrhagic fever, which can be life-threatening.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF CASES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD IN PREVIOUS YEARS
The incidence of fever has increased dramatically in recent decades, with an estimated 50-100 million cases occurring annually worldwide. The disease is found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and it is a leading cause of illness and death in many of these areas. It is important to note that the incidence of fever varies from year to year and from place to place, and it is influenced by a variety of factors including climate, population density, and mosquito control measures.
The World Health Organization (WHO) publishes regular updates on the global incidence of dengue fever and provides guidance on prevention and control measures.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of reported cases of this fever has increased from 2.2 million in 2010 to 15.9 million in 2019. The majority of cases are reported from the Western Pacific and Southeast Asian regions, with the highest number of cases occurring in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand. However, the disease is also found in other parts of the world including Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Eastern Mediterranean.
It is important to note that the reported number of cases is likely to be an underestimate of the true burden of the disease, as many cases go undiagnosed or unreported. The WHO estimates that the actual number of cases may be as much as 50-100 times higher than the reported number.
WHAT IS DENGUE FEVER
This fever is a viral illness that is transmitted by mosquitoes. It is caused by one of four types of dengue viruses (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, or DENV-4). Symptoms of this fever typically begin four to six days after infection and may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Joint and muscle pain
- Rash
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
The symptoms of fever usually last for about a week and most people recover without any complications. However, in some cases, It can progress to a more severe form called hemorrhagic fever, which can be life-threatening. There is no specific treatment for fever, and the best way to prevent it is to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and using mosquito netting. Vaccines are also available.
COMPLICATIONS OF DENGUE FEVER!!
In most cases, This fever is a self-limiting illness that resolves on its own within a week. However, in some cases, It can progress to a more severe form called hemorrhagic fever (DHF), which can be life-threatening. DHF is characterized by bleeding and low levels of platelets and white blood cells, and it can lead to shock and organ failure.
Other complications of fever may include:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Rapid breathing
- Bleeding gums
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Difficulty breathing
If you suspect that you or someone you know may have dengue fever, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the disease from progressing to DHF and can improve the chances of recovery.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
After a mosquito bites an infected person and becomes infected, the virus multiplies in the mosquito’s salivary glands. When the mosquito bites another person, the virus is transmitted through the mosquito’s saliva and enters the person’s body through the bite wound.
Once inside the body, the virus infects cells in the liver and begins to replicate. The virus is then released into the bloodstream, where it infects and damages other cells, including red blood cells and cells of the immune system. This can lead to the symptoms of fever, including fever, rash, and joint and muscle pain.
In some cases, the immune system may mount a strong response to the infection, leading to an increase in the production of immune cells and an increase in the levels of certain proteins in the blood. This immune response can lead to the development of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), which is a more severe form of the disease. DHF is characterized by bleeding, low levels of platelets and white blood cells, and increased vascular permeability, which can lead to shock and organ failure.
IS DENGUE LIFE-THREATENING?
In most cases, this fever is a self-limiting illness that resolves on its own within a week. However, in some cases, It can progress to a more severe form called dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), which can be life-threatening. DHF is characterized by bleeding and low levels of platelets and white blood cells, and it can lead to shock and organ failure.
The risk of developing DHF is higher in people who have had that fever before, as well as in young children and older adults. The risk is also higher in people who have compromised immune systems or underlying medical conditions.
If you suspect that you or someone you know may have dengue fever, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the disease from progressing to DHF and can improve the chances of recovery.
MEDICAL TREATMENT
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. The main goal of treatment is to control the symptoms and prevent complications.
For mild cases of fever, treatment may include:
- Getting plenty of rest
- Drinking fluids to prevent dehydration
- Taking over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen, to reduce fever and pain
- Using mosquito repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants to prevent further mosquito bites
For more severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to provide supportive care and to monitor for complications. This may include:
- Close monitoring of vital signs and fluid balance
- Administration of intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and maintain blood pressure
- Blood transfusions if necessary to correct anemia or low platelet counts
- Use of oxygen to help with breathing
- Medications to reduce fever and pain
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect that you or someone you know may have fever. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the disease from progressing to a more severe form and can improve the chances of recovery.
HOME REMEDIES
While there is no specific treatment for dengue fever, the following home remedies may help to manage the symptoms and improve recovery:
Get plenty of rest:
Rest is important to help the body fight the infection and recover from the illness.
Drink fluids:
Dehydration is a common complication of fever, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance. Water, oral rehydration solutions, and broth-based soups are good choices.
Take over-the-counter pain medication:
Acetaminophen (paracetamol) can help reduce fever and pain. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
Use mosquito repellent:
To prevent further mosquito bites, use mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves and pants.
Apply a cold compress to the forehead:
This can help reduce fever and provide relief from headaches and muscle aches.
Use a fan or air conditioning:
Keeping the air moving can help reduce fever and make it more comfortable to rest.
It is important to note that these home remedies are not a substitute for medical treatment. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have dengue fever, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Ross, T. M. (2010). Dengue virus. Clinics in laboratory medicine, 30(1), 149-160.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the disease from progressing to a more severe form and can improve the chances of recovery.
MYTHS ABOUT DENGUE FEVER
There are several myths and misconceptions about dengue fever and its causes, transmission, and treatment. Here are a few examples:
Myth: Dengue fever is caused by dirty or polluted water.
Fact: Dengue fever is caused by a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes, specifically the Aedes mosquito. The virus is found in the mosquito’s saliva and is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. It is not caused by dirty or polluted water.
Myth: Dengue fever is not a serious illness.
Fact: While most cases of dengue fever are mild and resolve on their own within a week, in some cases the disease can progress to a more severe form called dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), which can be life-threatening. DHF is characterized by bleeding and low levels of platelets and white blood cells, and it can lead to shock and organ failure.
Myth: There is a cure for dengue fever.
Fact: There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. The main goal of treatment is to control the symptoms and prevent complications. Hospitalization may be necessary for more severe cases to provide supportive care and to monitor for complications.
Myth: You can get dengue fever from direct contact with an infected person.
Fact: Dengue fever is transmitted through mosquito bites, not through direct contact with an infected person. The virus is found in the mosquito’s saliva and is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites.
Myth: There is no way to prevent dengue fever.
Fact: There are several measures that can help prevent dengue fever, including using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, using mosquito netting, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites around the home. Vaccines are also available to help prevent dengue fever.
HOW CAN WE PREVENT OURSELVES THROUGH ROUTINE PRACTICE
There are several measures that can help prevent dengue fever:
Use insect repellent:
When spending time outdoors, use an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Wear long sleeves and pants:
To protect your skin from mosquito bites, wear long sleeves and pants, especially during peak mosquito-biting times (dawn and dusk).
Use mosquito netting:
If you are sleeping in an area with no air conditioning or window screens, use mosquito netting to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Eliminate mosquito breeding sites:
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so it is important to eliminate potential breeding sites around your home. This includes emptying outdoor containers that hold water, such as buckets, flowerpots, and tires, and regularly changing the water in birdbaths and pet dishes.
Keep doors and windows closed or screened:
To prevent mosquitoes from entering your home, keep doors and windows closed or screened.
Use air conditioning:
If you have air conditioning, use it to keep your home cool and to keep mosquitoes out.
Get vaccinated:
Vaccines are available to help prevent dengue fever. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether a dengue fever vaccine is right for you.
It is important to note that these prevention measures are most effective when used in combination. By taking steps to protect yourself from mosquito bites, you can reduce your risk of getting dengue fever.
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REFERENCES:
- Henchal, E. A., & Putnak, J. R. (1990). The dengue viruses. Clinical microbiology reviews, 3(4), 376-396.
- Leitmeyer, K. C., Vaughn, D. W., Watts, D. M., Salas, R., Villalobos, I., de Chacon, … & Rico-Hesse, R. (1999). Dengue virus structural differences that correlate with pathogenesis. Journal of virology, 73(6), 4738-4747.
- Mota, J., & Rico-Hesse, R. (2011). Dengue virus tropism in humanized mice recapitulates human dengue fever. PloS one, 6(6), e20762.
- Ross, T. M. (2010). Dengue virus. Clinics in laboratory medicine, 30(1), 149-160.