Dengue Fever Overview and Symptoms

Dengue Fever Overview

• Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness caused by four related viruses.
• It's transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with a dengue virus.
• Transmission occurs when an infected mosquito bites a person, and the mosquito takes the virus and then transmits.
• Humans do not transmit dengue directly to each other.
• Globally, approximately 400 million people are infected annually with dengue, with 100 million developing mild to severe illness.
• Commonly found in tropical regions like Southeast Asia, the western Pacific, Latin America, and Africa. Cases in the U.S. are often related to travel.
• Risk of infection is increasing in parts of the southern U.S.

Symptoms

• Symptoms include high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, joint/bone pain, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and skin rash.

Transmission Cycle

• Mosquito bites an infected person.
• The mosquito becomes infected.
• The infected mosquito bites others, infecting them.
• This cycle of infection continues within communities.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis involves blood tests for dengue viruses.
• Methods include serological/antibody tests, MAC-ELISA tests, molecular tests (like NAATs and PCR), and complete blood count (CBC).
• Antibody tests detect proteins the body makes against the virus.
• MAC-ELISA detects proteins fighting dengue fever.
• Molecular tests identify genetic material of the virus.
• NAATs amplify the virus's DNA for detection.
• PCR is a type of NAAT.
• CBC counts blood cells; dengue can affect white blood cells and platelets.

Dengue Vaccine

• Dengue vaccines have been under development since the 1920s.
• Dengvaxia (licensed by Sanofi Pasteur) is the only FDA-approved vaccine.
• Qdenga, approved in the European Union, is another vaccine.
• Dengvaxia is recommended for people with previous dengue or living in high-risk areas. Given in three doses over six months, and for individuals aged 6–45 (or 9–60 in some countries).
• Qdenga is for those without prior dengue infection. Given in two doses over three months, and for individuals aged four and above.

Prevention and Control

• Mosquitoes are active during the day.
• Prevent bites using clothing, mosquito nets (especially if sleeping during the day and treated with repellent), window screens, and repellent creams (including DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535).
• Prevent breeding by removing standing water. Dispose of waste, cover and empty water containers weekly, and use appropriate insecticides.
• Treatment consists of rest, fluids, acetaminophen (paracetamol) for pain (avoid ibuprofen and aspirin), and monitoring for severe symptoms and contacting a healthcare professional promptly.

Conclusion

• Dengue is a significant health issue in tropical areas.
• Early recognition of symptoms is essential for better outcomes.
• Prevention via mosquito control and personal protection is key to reducing risk.

Explore the essential information about Dengue fever, including its causes, symptoms, and transmission cycle. This quiz covers the basics of how the disease spreads and the impacts it has on global health. Test your knowledge on this important public health topic.