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Questions and Answers
Dengue fever can be transmitted directly from one person to another.
Dengue fever can be transmitted directly from one person to another.
False
About 100 million people worldwide become severely ill with dengue fever each year.
About 100 million people worldwide become severely ill with dengue fever each year.
True
Dengue fever is most common in Arctic regions.
Dengue fever is most common in Arctic regions.
False
Aedes mosquitoes are the primary vectors for dengue virus.
Aedes mosquitoes are the primary vectors for dengue virus.
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The nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) is used to amplify the virus's DNA for dengue diagnosis.
The nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) is used to amplify the virus's DNA for dengue diagnosis.
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Dengue fever symptoms can include high fever and muscle pain.
Dengue fever symptoms can include high fever and muscle pain.
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Dengue fever can be diagnosed using a blood test.
Dengue fever can be diagnosed using a blood test.
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Dengue fever causes an increase in the number of white blood cells.
Dengue fever causes an increase in the number of white blood cells.
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Dengvaxia was first developed in the year 1997.
Dengvaxia was first developed in the year 1997.
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Qdenga is recommended for individuals who have previously been infected with dengue.
Qdenga is recommended for individuals who have previously been infected with dengue.
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The only approved dengue vaccine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is Qdenga.
The only approved dengue vaccine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is Qdenga.
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Dengvaxia is authorized for individuals aged 6 to 45 years in most countries.
Dengvaxia is authorized for individuals aged 6 to 45 years in most countries.
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Mosquitoes that spread dengue are primarily active during the night.
Mosquitoes that spread dengue are primarily active during the night.
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Using a mosquito repellent containing DEET can help lower the risk of dengue.
Using a mosquito repellent containing DEET can help lower the risk of dengue.
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When experiencing dengue symptoms, it is advisable to take ibuprofen for pain relief.
When experiencing dengue symptoms, it is advisable to take ibuprofen for pain relief.
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Preventive measures against dengue include eliminating standing water and using window screens.
Preventive measures against dengue include eliminating standing water and using window screens.
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Study Notes
Dengue Fever Overview
- Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness caused by four related viruses.
- Transmission occurs via the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with a dengue virus.
- Mosquito infection occurs when it bites a person with dengue in their blood.
- The virus is not spread directly from person to person.
- Globally, around 400 million people are infected annually, with 100 million experiencing mild to severe illness.
- Primarily affects tropical regions (Southeast Asia, Western Pacific, Latin America, Africa).
- Cases in the U.S. are often from travel. Risk is growing in southern U.S. regions.
Symptoms
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Pain behind eyes
- Joint and muscle pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Skin rash
Transmission Cycle
- Infected person is bitten by an Aedes mosquito.
- Mosquito becomes infected.
- Infected mosquito bites others, transmitting the virus.
- Cycle continues, infecting community members through mosquito bites.
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis relies on blood tests.
- Tests may include antibody tests, MAC-ELISA tests, molecular tests (like NAATs and PCR), and complete blood counts (CBCs).
- CBCs detect potential drops in infection-fighting white blood cells and blood clotting platelets (which indicate disease severity).
Dengue Vaccines
- Dengue vaccines have been developed, with the first (Dengvaxia) in 1997.
- Dengvaxia is recommended for those with prior dengue fever or who live in areas with high dengue prevalence; it is given in three doses over six months interval. Approved for 6-45 year olds, though some regions have extended to 9-60.
- A second vaccine (Qdenga) was approved in the EU in 2022 for those with no prior infection. It is administered in two doses over three months, and is approved for those four years and older.
Prevention and Control
- Control mosquitoes that spread dengue, which are primarily active during the day.
- Protective measures to avoid mosquito bites: covering exposed skin with clothing, daytime mosquito nets (ideally treated with repellent), window screens, insect repellents (DEET, Picaridin, IR3535), and coil or vaporizer use.
- Prevention of mosquito breeding:
- Prevent access to breeding grounds through environmental modification.
- Properly dispose of waste and remove standing water.
- Empty, clean, and cover domestic water storage weekly.
- Apply insecticides to outdoor water storage.
Treatment
- Rest
- Plenty of fluids
- Acetaminophen (paracetamol) for pain
- Avoid NSAIDs (like ibuprofen and aspirin).
- Prompt medical attention for severe symptoms.
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Description
This quiz provides an overview of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness caused by dengue viruses. Learn about the transmission cycle, symptoms, and global impact of this disease, particularly in tropical regions. Test your knowledge on the fundamental aspects of dengue fever.
