All That You Need To Know About Dengue And Its Prevention Methods
Dengue is a virus based disease which is caused by four closely related groups of viruses. These four viruses or serotypes are named DENV-1 to DENV-4. A person affected by one of the serotypes will lead to dengue fever. But one virus leads to another and if affected by more number then the person is likely to have serious implications like dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. The virus is transmitted from person to person through an infected mosquito. The disease transmitting is called as vector and the most important type of mosquito vector is Aedes aegypti. Another type of mosquito named Aedes albopictus is also responsible in few parts of the world.
Dengue is found to be endemic in more than 100 countries with tropical and sub-tropical regions. Sources from World Health Organization (WHO) reveal that more than 50 to 100 million people get affected by dengue every year. It also reveals that more than 2.5 billion people around the world that is 40 percent of the total population are living in a risk of dengue infection and transmission. So only through proper awareness and preventive methods this big number can be reduced. Early identification of the symptoms and timely treatment can save a person from serious implications
Types of infection include classic dengue which is considered basic. This is also called as "break bone fever" because it can seriously affect the bones and cause weakness in them.
The dengue fever can be transmitted from person to person. It is transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person only through mosquito. This fever after showing symptoms will last for 3-14 days. The primary symptom of DF (dengue fever) is the high fever and it is usually associated with other implications. They can be severe headache, sever pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pains, Rash all over the body and ultimately leads to reduced white cells. A person affected by dengue has more possibilities to develop DHF or DSS.
When dengue fever is not treated properly or more serotypes affect a person, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) can develop. This fever can last from 2 to 7 days and temperature will decline leading to other symptoms. Symptoms of DHF are very intense compared to classic dengue. The decline in temperature is followed by continual vomiting, severe pain in the abdominal region along with difficulties in breathing. Immediately after these symptoms it is advised to consult the physician for effective treatment.
This disease can affect both children and adults. Implications of DHF include circulatory system failure and reduced platelet count. Hemorrhagic problems in skin, nose, gums and internal bleeding are also associated with it. There is no specific medicine or vaccination available for dengue. Only method is prevention and that too from mosquito bites. This can be achieved my reducing the mosquitoes in and around the house by clearing the stagnant water. Using mosquito repellent creams will also help in staying away from bites to some extent.