Dengue fever: Everything To Know

Dengue fever: History, Causes. Transmission, Symptoms, Records, Cure And Treatments, Research, Recent News And Everything To Know

Outbreak Overview:

• • Roughly 4.7 million people have been infected with dengue fever so far in 2024.
  • The outbreak is centered in Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Experts warn that the cases could continue to grow.
  • Climate change and El Nino have also contributed to favorable conditions for disease-carrying mosquitoes.
  • Urban areas, especially those with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, are particularly affected.

Symptoms:

• • Common Symptoms:
    • Sudden onset of very high fever (up to 104°F or 40°C).
    • Also Severe headache, often behind the eyes.
    • Muscle and joint pain.
    • Also Nausea and vomiting.
    • Pain behind the eyes.
    • Also Swollen glands.
    • Rash.
    • Fatigue.
  • Rare Complications:
    • Mild bleeding.
    • Dengue hemorrhagic fever: Associated with increased bleeding, decreased platelets, and plasma leakage.
    • Dengue shock syndrome: Blood pressure drops significantly, leading to vascular collapse.
    • Episodes of reduced consciousness due to brain inflammation.

Prevention:

• • Avoid mosquito bites:
    • Drain stagnant water.
    • Also Apply oil or insecticides to open waters.
    • Sleep under mosquito nets.
    • Also Use insect repellents.
    • Wear protective clothing.
  • Dengue fever vaccine is recommended.

Treatment:

• • Supportive care based on the stage of infection.
  • Also Blood transfusion for severe cases.
  • Intravenous therapy for mild stages.

Complications:

• • Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever: In severe cases, dengue can lead to bleeding from various body parts, decreased platelet count, and plasma leakage.
  • Dengue Shock Syndrome: Blood pressure drops significantly, and peripheral blood vessels collapse.
  • Also Reduced Consciousness: Brain inflammation can cause episodes of reduced consciousness.
  • Miscarriage Risk: Pregnant women with dengue are at risk of miscarriage.

Transmission and Symptoms:

• • Dengue virus is carried by female mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti).
  • Symptoms typically appear within two weeks and include sudden high fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, and also vomiting.
  • Severe cases may involve abdominal pain and bleeding gums, requiring immediate medical attention.

Risk Factors:

• • Climate Change: Record heat and extreme weather events contribute to mosquito-friendly conditions.
  • Urban Areas: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes also thrive in urban environments.
  • No Cure, but Prevention: While vaccines exist, there’s no cure for dengue. Prevention includes mosquito bite avoidance and proper water storage.

Current Situation

• Latin America: The region faces its worst dengue outbreak on record, with cases already 238% higher than last year.
• U.S. Risk: The CDC warns of increased dengue risk in the U.S., with reported cases rising significantly.