What is Dengue?

Dengue (pronounced den' gee) is a viral disease. 

• Dengue can be caused by infection with any one of four closely related dengue viruses.

• DENV 1, DENV 2, DENV 3 or DENV 4.

How does it spread?

The dengue viruses are transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.

Characteristics of the Aedes Mosquito:

•One distinct physical feature (black and white stripes on its body and legs) hence also called as ‘Tiger mosquito’.

•Bites during the day.

•Lays its eggs in clean, stagnant water.

Did you know? 

•Only the female Aedes mosquito bites as it needs the protein in blood to develop its eggs.

•The mosquito becomes infective approximately seven days after it has bitten a person carrying the virus.

•Once infected, a mosquito remains infective for life and passes on the virus to the eggs it lays.

•Peak biting time is at dawn and dusk – 2 hours after sunrise and 2 hours before sunset.

Aedes mosquito: Fast facts:

•Adult mosquitoes “usually” rests indoors in dark areas (closets, under beds, behind curtains).

•They have limited flight range – can fly an average of 400metres looking for water-filled containers to lay

their eggs. This means that people, rather than mosquitoes, rapidly move the virus within and between communities and places.

•A few mosquitoes per household can produce large dengue outbreaks. The dengue mosquito does not lay eggs in ditches, drainages, canals, wetlands, rivers or lakes.

•     The mosquito life cycle, from egg to larvae, pupae, and to an adult mosquito, takes 8 days and occurs in water.

•     Humans develops disease after 5 – 6 days of being bitten by an infective mosquito.

What can you do to reduce risk of acquiring dengue?

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITO BITES

•Dengue mosquitoes bite during the day time. Highest biting intensity is about 2 hours after sunrise and before sunset.

•Wear full sleeves clothes and long dresses to cover as much of your body as possible.

•Use repellents, mosquito coils, electric vapor mats during the daytime also to prevent dengue.

•Use mosquito nets to protect children, elderly and others who may rest during the day.

Clinical description : Dengue fever (classical) An acute onset high fever of 2-7 days duration with 2 or more of the following manifestations:

Headache (often severe)

Retro-orbital pain (severe eye pain behind eyes)

Myalgia (muscle pain) 

Arthralgia (joint pain)

Rash 

Hemorrhagic manifestations: nose or gum bleed, easy bruising

What to do if you think you have dengue

Bed rest- acute phase 

Cold sponging for reducing fever 

X Avoid aspirin, brufen etc – these can cause gastritis, vomiting, platelet dysfunction

Paracetamol is preferable for fever management.

Oral electrolyte therapy: for excessive sweating, vomiting

•Avoid mosquito bites

–wear full sleeves; Place patient under bed net or use insect repellent on the patient while they have a fever, Put screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from coming into house.

•Consult a physician.

TAKE PLENTY OF FLUIDS

Please understand and stay protected..

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