Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary cause of dengue fever?
What is the primary cause of dengue fever?
Dengue fever is primarily caused by any one of four closely related dengue viruses transmitted through the bite of an infected aedes mosquito.
List three common symptoms of dengue fever.
List three common symptoms of dengue fever.
Common symptoms of dengue fever include high fever, headache, and joint pain.
How does a mosquito become infected with the dengue virus?
How does a mosquito become infected with the dengue virus?
A mosquito becomes infected by biting a person who has dengue virus in their blood.
Why can dengue fever not be transmitted directly from person to person?
Why can dengue fever not be transmitted directly from person to person?
Signup and view all the answers
What types of tests can help diagnose dengue fever?
What types of tests can help diagnose dengue fever?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the significance of the MAC-ELISA test in diagnosing dengue fever?
What is the significance of the MAC-ELISA test in diagnosing dengue fever?
Signup and view all the answers
Describe the role of complete blood count (CBC) in assessing dengue fever severity.
Describe the role of complete blood count (CBC) in assessing dengue fever severity.
Signup and view all the answers
In which regions of the world are dengue fever cases most commonly reported?
In which regions of the world are dengue fever cases most commonly reported?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary difference between the Dengvaxia and Qdenga vaccines in terms of previous infection status?
What is the primary difference between the Dengvaxia and Qdenga vaccines in terms of previous infection status?
Signup and view all the answers
How many doses are required for the Dengvaxia vaccine, and at what intervals are they administered?
How many doses are required for the Dengvaxia vaccine, and at what intervals are they administered?
Signup and view all the answers
What age group is Dengvaxia typically recommended for?
What age group is Dengvaxia typically recommended for?
Signup and view all the answers
List two personal protective measures one can take to avoid dengue mosquito bites.
List two personal protective measures one can take to avoid dengue mosquito bites.
Signup and view all the answers
What specific symptom detection is critical for better outcomes in dengue treatment?
What specific symptom detection is critical for better outcomes in dengue treatment?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of medications should be avoided if someone contracts dengue fever?
What type of medications should be avoided if someone contracts dengue fever?
Signup and view all the answers
In what year was the Dengvaxia vaccine licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration?
In what year was the Dengvaxia vaccine licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one method for preventing mosquito breeding mentioned in the content?
What is one method for preventing mosquito breeding mentioned in the content?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Dengue Fever Overview
- Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease, caused by four related viruses.
- Transmission occurs through the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with a dengue virus.
- Mosquitoes become infected by biting humans with the virus in their blood.
- Direct human-to-human transmission does not occur.
- Approximately 400 million people globally are infected annually, with 100 million experiencing mild to severe illness.
- Predominantly prevalent in tropical areas including Southeast Asia, the western Pacific, Latin America, and Africa.
- Cases in the U.S. are typically associated with travel-acquired infections, with increasing risk in Southern regions.
Symptoms
- High fever
- Severe headaches
- Pain behind the eyes
- Joint and muscle pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Skin rash
Transmission Cycle
- Infected mosquitoes bite humans, becoming infected.
- Infected mosquitoes then bite other people, spreading the virus.
- This cycle perpetuates transmission within communities.
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis is made through blood tests.
- Blood samples are analyzed for signs of the dengue virus, potentially using:
- Serologic/antibody tests
- MAC-ELISA test
- Molecular tests (e.g., NAATs, PCR)
- Complete blood count (CBC): checks for reduced white blood cells and platelets
Dengue Vaccines
- Dengue vaccines have been under development since the 1920s.
- Dengvaxia is a licensed vaccine and the only one approved by U.S. FDA, recommended for those with prior dengue infection or living in high risk areas (aged 6-45).
- Qdenga is a second vaccine, approved in the EU in 2022. Qdenga is for individuals who haven't previously had dengue (aged 4 or older).
Prevention and Control
- Mosquitoes are active during the day.
- Prevent mosquito bites by:
- Wearing protective clothing
- Using mosquito nets (especially treated ones)
- Employing window screens
- Applying insect repellents (DEET, Picaridin, IR3535)
- Utilizing coils and vaporizers
- Prevent mosquito breeding by:
- Managing/modifying egg-laying environments
- Properly disposing of waste (including artificial containers)
- Regularly covering, emptying, and cleaning water storage containers
- Using insecticides on outdoor water sources
- If infected with dengue:
- Rest adequately
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Use acetaminophen (paracetamol) for pain relief
- Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin
- Monitor for severe symptoms and promptly consult a healthcare professional
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz provides an overview of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by four related viruses. Learn about its transmission cycle, symptoms, and global prevalence, particularly in tropical areas. Test your knowledge of how this disease spreads and affects populations.
