Dengue fever is more than just a buzzword it’s a serious mosquito-borne illness that affects millions every year. Yet, with the right knowledge and precautions, you can protect your family and community.
Dengue — An Infectious Health Threat
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that has become a global public health concern.
Globally, dengue fever affects millions of people each year. In 2024, over 7.6 million cases were reported to the World Health Organization (WHO), with significant outbreaks in the Americas. Dengue fever is less common in the UAE but still poses a risk due to international travel and imported cases.
Causes of Dengue Fever
There are different types of dengue virus, and once infected by one type, prolonged immunity is observed to that type and short-lived immunity to the other types.
Usually, it is spread by a female Aedes mosquito which normally bites an infected person in the morning to take a blood meal and spreads the virus anytime of the day. In 2–10 days, the mosquito becomes infected and the virus spreads to other tissues and is released into saliva. Once the mosquito bites an uninfected person, the person becomes infected. The mosquito is usually infected for a lifetime.
There are four distinct serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4), and infection with one serotype provides lifelong immunity to that serotype but not to the others.
Risk Factors for Infections with Dengue Fever
Several factors increase the risk of contracting dengue fever:
Geographical Location: Living in or traveling to tropical and subtropical regions, including Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, Latin America, and Africa.
Mosquito Exposure: Increased exposure to mosquito bites, particularly in areas with high mosquito populations.
Previous Infections: A history of dengue infection increases the risk of severe dengue upon subsequent infections with different serotypes.
Signs of Dengue Fever
Dengue fever has three stages:
Febrile phase: It is the early stage associated with pain and lasts for 2–7 days.
Critical phase: In this stage leakage of blood plasma is observed and fever is usually reduced.
Recovery stage: The leaked fluid is reabsorbed into the bloodstream and symptoms like slow heart rate and pruritus are observed.
Symptoms of dengue fever typically appear 4–10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can range from mild to severe:
- High Fever (up to 104°F or 40°C)
- Severe Headache
- Pain Behind the Eyes
- Muscle and Joint Pain
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Rash appeared 2–5 days after the onset of fever
In severe cases, dengue can develop into dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, characterized by severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, and difficulty breathing.
Diagnosis of Dengue Fever
Diagnosis of dengue fever is important as most early stages are asymptomatic.
Polymerase chain Reaction (PCR): a molecular lab technique to identify the virus, present in the collected sample.
Blood Test: involves the detection of antibodies against the the virus. Antibodies are substances produces by the body to defeat microbes such as DENV. The antibodies are normally produced 5–7 days after the infection.
Management of Dengue Fever
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever. Management focuses on relieving symptoms and includes:
Hydration: Ensuring adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
Pain Relief: Using acetaminophen (paracetamol) to reduce fever and pain. Avoid aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as they can increase bleeding risk.
Medical Care: Hospitalization may be required for severe cases to manage complications such as bleeding and shock.
Stay one step ahead — learn how to manage dengue fever effectively!
Prevention of Dengue Fever
Preventing dengue fever involves reducing mosquito exposure and controlling mosquito populations:
Mosquito Control: Eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed, using insecticides, and applying larvicides to water containers.
Personal Protection: Using mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and using mosquito nets.
Vaccination: Dengue vaccines, such as Dengvaxia, are available in some countries for individuals who have had a previous dengue infection.
By understanding the causes, risk factors, symptoms, management, and prevention of dengue fever, we can better protect ourselves and our communities from this potentially severe disease.
Don’t let dengue fever catch you off guard — take these essential precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones!
Complications of Dengue Fever
Dengue haemorrhagic fever: may be associated with
- Increased bleeding from various body parts
- Decreased number of platelets
- Leakage of the blood plasma
Dengue shock syndrome: the blood pressure falls below 20mmHg along with collapse of peripheral vascular blood vessels.
- Episodes of reduced consciousness when the brain is infected with the virus leading to inflammation are seen.
- Pregnant women with this disease are at a risk of miscarriage.
Know the complications and protect yourself and your loved ones today!
What You Need to Know About Dengue Vaccines
Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV) by Sanofi Pasteur: Recommended for children aged 9–16 years who have previously been infected with dengue. It is intended for use in areas where dengue is common.
Qdenga (TAK-003) by Takeda: Another option that can be used in certain age groups and circumstances.
Raising awareness about Dengue Fever, we support the fight to stop dengue fever from spreading. Share this post to spread knowledge and compassion.
A contribution of Dr. Habab Basheir Elgamer,
@TheKnowHow
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