what is dengue? Symptoms of Dengue Fever and prevent

what is dengue? Symptoms of Dengue Fever and prevent

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which has four serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4). It is transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and occasionally by the Aedes albopictus mosquito. Dengue is common in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

Symptoms typically appear 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can range from mild to severe. The disease has three main phases: febrile, critical, and recovery.

1. Mild Dengue Fever:

• High fever (40°C/104°F)
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Muscle and joint pain (often referred to as "breakbone fever")
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash (appears 2-5 days after fever onset)
• Mild bleeding (nosebleeds or gum bleeding

2. Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome):

• Persistent vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease transmitted primarily by the *Aedes aegypti* mosquito. Preventing dengue involves targeting the mosquito vector, avoiding bites, and managing environments to reduce mosquito breeding. Here are effective measures to prevent dengue:

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### 1. **Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites**

   - **Remove standing water**: Regularly empty or cover containers like buckets, flower pots, and tires where water can collect.

   - **Clean gutters**: Ensure they are not clogged to prevent water accumulation.

   - **Change water frequently**: Replace water in vases, birdbaths, and pet bowls every 2–3 days.

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### 2. **Use Mosquito-Repellent Measures**

   - **Apply repellents**: Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin.

   - **Install screens and nets**: Fit windows and doors with screens or sleep under mosquito nets, especially in areas with high mosquito populations.

   - **Wear protective clothing**: Cover as much skin as possible by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.

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### 3. **Community-Wide Actions**

   - **Neighborhood cleanup**: Organize campaigns to clean areas and remove potential breeding grounds.

   - **Larvicide use**: Treat stagnant water that cannot be eliminated with larvicides safe for the environment.

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### 4. **Promote Awareness**

   - Educate communities about the symptoms of dengue and the importance of prevention.

   - Encourage reporting and control efforts if cases are suspected in the area.

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### 5. **Early Detection and Management**

   - Seek medical attention if symptoms like high fever, rash, and severe joint pain occur.

   - Monitor outbreaks and take precautions during high-risk seasons.

By reducing mosquito populations and protecting yourself from bites, the risk of dengue transmission can be significantly minimized.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever        prevent      dengue    Mosquito