Dengue Fever: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
Dengue Fever: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
Dengue fever is a viral illness and one of the most widespread mosquito-borne diseases in tropical and subtropical regions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 390 million people are infected with the dengue virus annually, of whom about 96 million exhibit noticeable symptoms [Source: World Health Organization].
What is the Dengue Virus?
The dengue virus belongs to the Flaviviridae family and has four main serotypes (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, DEN-4). Infection with one serotype provides lifelong immunity against that specific type but does not protect against the others—and may actually increase the risk of severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever) upon subsequent infection with a different serotype.
How is Dengue Transmitted?
Dengue is transmitted through the bites of infected female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, and occasionally Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes are primarily active during the day, especially in the early morning and just after sunset.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever
Symptoms range from mild to severe and typically appear 4–10 days after the mosquito bite. Common symptoms include:
- Sudden high fever up to 40°C (104°F)
- Severe headache (particularly behind the eyes)
- Intense muscle and joint pain (the disease is sometimes called “breakbone fever”)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rash
- Mild bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds or gum bleeding)
Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever)
In rare cases, dengue can progress to a severe form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. Warning signs include:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Significant bleeding
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden drop in blood pressure
This condition requires immediate medical attention and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Diagnosis
Dengue is diagnosed through:
- Complete blood count (CBC) to detect low platelet levels
- Serological tests (e.g., IgM/IgG ELISA)
- PCR testing for early detection of viral RNA
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Management focuses on:
- Rest
- Adequate hydration
- Antipyretics (preferably paracetamol/acetaminophen; avoid aspirin or ibuprofen due to bleeding risk)
- Close medical monitoring in moderate to severe cases
Prevention
While vaccines (e.g., Dengvaxia) are approved in some countries, they are generally recommended only for individuals with prior dengue infection. Therefore, prevention relies on:
- Mosquito control: Eliminate breeding sites (e.g., stagnant water in tires, flower pots, uncovered tanks).
- Insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin.
- Wearing long-sleeved clothing during peak mosquito activity.
- Installing window screens and using bed nets.
Epidemiological Situation in the Arab World
Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Sudan have experienced recurrent dengue outbreaks, particularly in hot, humid coastal areas. Recent studies suggest that climate change and urban expansion are contributing to the widening geographic spread of the vector mosquito [Source: Journal of Tropical Diseases].
Conclusion
Dengue fever is a common and potentially serious viral disease in endemic regions, yet it can be controlled through community awareness and personal and public preventive measures. Early intervention and supportive care can save lives, especially in severe cases.
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