Dengue

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which has four distinct serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4). It is primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Dengue is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.

Symptoms

Dengue infection can range from mild to severe. Symptoms typically appear 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and may include:

• High fever (up to 104°F or 40°C)
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Severe joint and muscle pain (hence the name "breakbone fever")
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash (which may appear 2-5 days after the onset of fever)
• Mild bleeding (such as nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or easy bruising)

Severe Dengue

Severe dengue, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), is a more serious form of the disease. It can lead to:

• Plasma leakage
• Fluid accumulation
• Severe bleeding
• Organ impairment
• Shock

Diagnosis

Dengue is diagnosed through clinical evaluation and confirmed with laboratory tests, such as:

• Serological tests (to detect antibodies against the virus)
• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests (to detect viral RNA)

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Management focuses on:

• Supportive care: Rest, hydration, and acetaminophen (paracetamol) to reduce fever and pain.
• Monitoring: Close monitoring of vital signs and blood counts is crucial, especially in severe cases.
• Hospitalization: May be required for patients with severe dengue to provide intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, or other supportive measures.

Prevention

Preventing dengue primarily involves controlling mosquito populations and avoiding mosquito bites:

• Use of mosquito repellents
• Wearing protective clothing
• Using bed nets
• Eliminating standing water (where mosquitoes breed)
• Insecticide spraying