Dengue fever, a viral infection, is a global health challenge, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This mosquito-borne illness affects millions annually, causing symptoms from mild to severe. Understanding dengue, its management, and prevention is important for public health.
Understanding Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes; Aedes albopictus also contributes to its spread. Symptoms typically emerge 4 to 10 days after a mosquito bite and can last for 2 to 7 days.
Common symptoms include a high fever, often around 104°F (40°C), accompanied by a severe headache and pain behind the eyes. Muscle, bone, and joint pains are characteristic, sometimes leading to the nickname “break-bone fever.” Nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and a skin rash are also frequently observed. While many dengue infections are mild or asymptomatic, some individuals may develop severe dengue, a more serious form of the disease.
Current Treatment Approaches
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever; instead, management focuses on alleviating symptoms and supporting the body’s recovery. Rest and adequate hydration are important, with patients encouraged to drink fluids like water and oral rehydration solutions. Pain and fever can be managed effectively with acetaminophen (paracetamol).
Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin, as these can increase the risk of bleeding complications. Monitoring for warning signs of severe dengue is important, as these can appear 24 to 48 hours after the fever subsides. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these warning signs develop:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Bleeding from the gums or nose
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Rapid breathing
- Extreme fatigue or restlessness
Severe cases may require hospitalization for closer monitoring and supportive care, including intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and, in some instances, blood transfusions. Early detection and appropriate medical care can significantly lower fatality rates associated with severe dengue.
Preventing Future Infections
Preventing dengue infection is a priority, given the lack of a specific cure. Primary mosquito control measures focus on eliminating breeding sites where Aedes mosquitoes lay their eggs. This includes regularly emptying and cleaning containers that hold stagnant water, such as flower pots, old tires, and buckets. Using mosquito nets, especially when sleeping during the day, and ensuring windows and doors have screens can help prevent mosquito bites indoors.
Wearing protective clothing that covers exposed skin, particularly during the day when Aedes mosquitoes are most active, also helps reduce bites. Applying insect repellents containing active ingredients like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus provides additional protection. Community-wide efforts, such as larvicide use and public awareness campaigns, also help reduce mosquito populations.
Dengue vaccines are available, though their use has specific recommendations. Dengvaxia is recommended for individuals aged 9 to 16 years with a confirmed previous dengue infection living in endemic areas, as it may increase severe dengue risk in those not previously infected. Qdenga, another dengue vaccine, has broader approval in some regions and is recommended by the WHO for children aged 6 to 16 years in high transmission settings. For individuals without a prior dengue infection, data on Qdenga are limited, and some recommendations advise against its use due to theoretical risks.