Dengue Fever: Causes, Symptoms, Transmission, Treatment, and Prevention
Dengue fever or disease is a condition transmitted through the bite of an Aedes mosquito (also known as Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus). Although symptoms can be mild, severe fever can be life-threatening in just a few hours.
There are 4 serotypes (types of a bacterial or viral strain) of this Dengue virus (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4). Of these, DEN-2 and DEN-3 are frequently associated with severe symptoms.
Approximately half of the world's population lives in at-risk areas (Southeast Asia, the Pacific, Africa, Central and South America, the Caribbean), and the disease is often one of the leading causes of death in these parts of the world.
Recovery from Dengue virus infection provides lifelong immunity only against the specific virus strain that caused the infection, and partial, transient protection (for 2-3 months) against the other three serotypes.
Transmission mode
The Dengue virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an Aedes mosquito (mainly Aedes aegypti). This mosquito is a tropical and subtropical species, widespread around the world, most often between 35°N and 35°S latitude.
Symptoms
Symptoms can be mild or severe. Mild symptoms of Dengue fever can last for 2-7 days. Some people develop flu-like symptoms. Most people will recover from a mild episode of the disease in about a week. The most common symptom is fever, associated with nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, headaches, eye pain, or bone, joint, or muscle pain.
The severe form (dengue hemorrhagic fever) is a potentially fatal complication characterized by high fever (41°C), accompanied by seizures, enlarged liver, circulatory failure, and/or severe hemorrhaging.
It is important to watch for severe symptoms of the disease, which usually begin 24-48 hours after the fever has subsided. These include abdominal pain, vomiting (3 or more times within 24 hours), nosebleeds, bloody stools, feelings of fatigue, and restlessness.
The infection can be particularly severe for people who have had Dengue fever previously, infants, or pregnant women.
If you detect severe symptoms of the disease, consult a doctor immediately.
Diagnosis
If you experience episodes of fever accompanied by headaches, eye pain, joint or muscle pain, and skin rashes while staying in or shortly after returning from a high-risk area, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
An accurate diagnosis is made through laboratory tests by detecting the virus in the blood, its antigens, or antibodies.
Treatment
There is no specific medication to treat Dengue fever. Treatment for the mild form includes rest, taking paracetamol, and constant hydration. Medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen are prohibited.
For the severe form (hemorrhagic fever), maintaining circulating blood volume is the primary goal of treatment.
The severe form is a medical emergency and requires specialized care in a medical facility.
Prevention
Dengue fever can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites.
When traveling or staying in an at-risk area, use an insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and use protective screens on windows and doors.
During sleep (especially during the day), the bed should be protected by a special mosquito net, which should be pre-treated with insecticides. Use insecticides in the room in various forms (aerosols, impregnated strips, tablets).
In 2015, the first vaccine against Dengue fever was registered and approved for long-term protection against all serotypes. WHO experts have recommended administering the vaccine only in areas with high levels of endemicity.
References
https://www.dsptimis.ro/promovare/denga_informatii_calatori.pdf
https://www.cnscbt.ro/index.php/sfaturi-pentru-calatori/280-denga-informatii-pentru-calatori/file
https://www.sfatulmedicului.ro/dictionar-medical/denga-febra_3084
https://www.romedic.ro/febra-boala-dengue
http://srmv.ro/index.php/denga
