11 Jun 2024 Admin Dengue Awareness Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti mosquito and to a lesser extent, Aedes albopictus. Dengue is found in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. The virus has four distinct but closely related serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4). Infection with one serotype provides lifelong immunity to that serotype but not to the others. Subsequent infections with different serotypes increase the risk of severe dengue. Symptoms of Dengue. Mild Dengue Fever: o High fever o Severe headache o Pain behind the eyes o Joint and muscle pain o Nausea o Vomiting o Swollen glands o Rash Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome): o Severe abdominal pain o Persistent vomiting o Rapid breathing o Bleeding gums o Fatigue o Restlessness o Blood in vomit or stool Precautions to Protect Against Dengue 1. Avoid Mosquito Bites: o Use Mosquito Repellents: Apply repellents on exposed skin. DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective. o Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes. o Use Mosquito Nets: Use bed nets while sleeping where the sleeping area is exposed to the outdoors. o Install Screens: Ensure windows and doors are fitted with screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering. 2. Control Mosquito Breeding: o Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Regularly empty, clean, or cover containers that hold water. o Clean Gutters: Ensure they are not blocked and water is not accumulating. o Use Larvicides: Apply larvicides to water bodies that cannot be drained to kill mosquito larvae. o Proper Waste Management: Dispose of garbage properly and maintain a clean environment to reduce potential mosquito breeding sites. 3. Community Involvement: o Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate communities about dengue prevention and control. o Community Clean-Up Drives: Organize regular clean-up activities to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. 4. During Outbreaks: o Fogging: Use insecticides through fogging in affected areas to kill adult mosquitoes. o Prompt Medical Attention: Seek medical care immediately if dengue symptoms appear, especially if they are severe. Vaccination A vaccine has been developed for dengue. However, it is recommended only for individuals who have had a previous dengue infection and live in areas with high transmission rates. This is due to the increased risk of severe dengue in individuals who receive the vaccine without prior exposure to the virus. By following these precautions and staying informed about dengue, individuals and communities can significantly reduce the risk of dengue transmission and protect public health.