Dengue fever, also known as breakbone fever, is a debilitating mosquito-borne disease common in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
This type of fever is caused by any one of four closely related dengue viruses, which are related to the viruses that cause West Nile infection and yellow fever.
This illness can affect infants, young children and adults. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 390 dengue infections occur worldwide each year of which about 96 million manifest apparently.
People living in the following areas are at greatest risk: Sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, Mexico, Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, Southern China, Taiwan and northern parts of Australia.
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Signs and Symptoms of Dengue Fever
People get dengue fever after being bitten by an infected Aedes mosquito. The virus does not spread directly from person to person. Symptoms usually occur between 3 to 10 days after being bitten and last for up to 10 days after the incubation period.
The most common symptoms include a high fever (104 degrees Fahrenheit or 40 degrees Celsius), severe headache, swollen lymph glands, muscle and joint pain, mild skin rashes, and mild to severe nausea. It may also cause mild bleeding from the nose or gums and easy bruising.
When the infection is not controlled in time, the disease develops into the life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever. People with a weak immune system or those who have had this infection more than once are more vulnerable to this problem.
The symptoms during this phase include profuse bleeding from the nose, abdominal pain, excessive vomiting, low blood platelet count, blood plasma leakage, respiratory distess, dangerously low blood pressure and problems with the lungs, liver and heart.
There is no commercially available vaccine or specific medicine, so prevention is better than any remedy or treatment.
If you believe you may be infected with dengue, you should see your doctor immediately. Also, be sure to rest, drink plenty of fluids and take steps to reduce the fever.
Here are the best preventive tips for dengue fever.
1. Eliminate Standing Water
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so eliminate any standing water in and around your house. Look for water accumulating in places like empty planters, flower pots, fridge trays, storage or garbage bins, cans or any empty container.
Even birdbaths and water bowls for pets that become stagnant can attract mosquitoes. These areas should be checked and emptied or changed regularly.
If not needed, discard items that collect rain or run-off water, especially old tires. Also, unclog roof gutters and watch out for bromeliad plants as the funnel-shaped leaves often hold water.
2. Use Good Mosquito Repellents
To get rid of mosquitoes around your house and keep them away from you, use mosquito repellents.
- Apply a good mosquito repellent on any exposed skin. This is especially important at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. Use repellents with caution on infants and babies, and do not use them on infants younger than 2 months old. You can also make an organic insect repellent at home using ingredients like witch hazel, vanilla extract and essential oils like lemon, lemongrass, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus and citronella oil.
- You can use high-tech gadgets, such as anultrasonic mosquito repellant, or plug-in devices containing liquid insecticide in your home and office.
3. Stay in Air-Conditioned or Well-Screened Housing
To reduce the risk of contracting dengue fever, make sure your housing is well-screened to keep mosquitoes out. Attach screens to all windows and doors where mosquitoes can enter. Always keep them closed and repair any holes in the screens.
If possible, opt for air-conditioning. Mosquitoes cannot survive in a cool atmosphere.
If your room is not screened or air conditioned, use a mosquito net around your bed.
4. Wear Protective Clothing
Something as simple as clothing can protect you from being bitten by a mosquito that may be carrying the dengue virus.
Cover as much of your skin as possible by wearing loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. You can also spray your clothing with mosquito repellent.
Wear light-colored clothing, as dark colors like black and blue attract mosquitoes (insects and bugs can see dark objects more easily). Avoid wearing short-sleeved shirts or shorts, as mosquitoes can easily bite through thin clothes.
Instead of wearing sandals or open shoes, wear shoes with socks to protect your feet.
5. Use Guppy Fish in Swimming Pools
It can be difficult to keep the water in swimming pools clean, especially if you cannot cover them. An easy solution is to put some guppy fishes in the pool to control the growth of mosquitoes.
The guppy, a freshwater fish, eats mosquito larvae and eggs, thus controlling the mosquito population. This fish is readily available in the market.
6. Avoid Outdoor Activities at Dawn and Dusk
Mosquitoes responsible for dengue fever are more active in the daytime than nighttime. Also, they bite more at dusk and dawn. Hence, avoid being outdoors at dawn, dusk and early evening.
When taking a nap during the day, sleep under mosquito netting. In fact, this is essential for small children when sleeping, as they are at a higher risk due to weak immunity.
Do not allow small children to play outdoors, especially during the early evening.
