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Understanding Dengue: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide each year, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. With climate change and urbanization contributing to the spread of mosquitoes, dengue has become a growing public health concern in countries like India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and the Philippines. This blog explores the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention methods of dengue, empowering readers to protect themselves and their communities.

What is Dengue?

Dengue is caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which has four distinct strains: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. A person can be infected with dengue up to four times in their life, once with each strain. The virus is primarily transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito, which tends to bite during early morning and late afternoon.

Symptoms of Dengue

Symptoms usually begin 4 to 10 days after the mosquito bite and can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms include:

High fever (up to 104°F or 40°C)

Severe headache

Pain behind the eyes

Joint and muscle pain

Nausea and vomiting

Skin rash (appears 2-5 days after fever)

Mild bleeding (nose or gum bleeding, easy bruising)

In some cases, dengue can develop into severe dengue (also called dengue hemorrhagic fever), which can cause:

Severe abdominal pain

Persistent vomiting

Rapid breathing

Bleeding under the skin

Blood in vomit or stool

Fatigue or restlessness

Severe dengue is a medical emergency and can lead to shock, organ failure, or death if not treated promptly.

Causes and Risk Factors

The primary cause of dengue is the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. These mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water and breed in containers such as flower pots, old tires, open tanks, and even bottle caps.

Certain factors increase the risk of dengue infection:

Living in or traveling to tropical areas

Poor sanitation and water management

Lack of mosquito control

Previous infection with a different strain of the dengue virus

Diagnosis and Treatment

Dengue is diagnosed through blood tests that detect the presence of the virus or the antibodies produced in response to it. Because dengue symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses like chikungunya or malaria, accurate diagnosis is important.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Supportive care is the primary approach:

Adequate hydration with fluids and oral rehydration solutions

Pain relief with paracetamol (avoid aspirin or ibuprofen, which can worsen bleeding)

Close monitoring for signs of severe dengue

In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for IV fluids, oxygen therapy, or blood transfusions.

Prevention Tips

Since there is no specific cure for dengue, prevention is the best approach:

Avoid mosquito bites: Use mosquito repellents, wear full-sleeved clothes, and sleep under mosquito nets.

Eliminate breeding sites: Empty standing water from flower pots, coolers, and other containers.

Use screens and nets: Install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out.

Community efforts: Participate in local cleanliness drives and awareness campaigns.

A dengue vaccine named Dengvaxia is available in some countries, but it is not widely used and is recommended only for individuals who have already had dengue once.

Final Thoughts

Dengue is a serious disease, but it can be prevented and managed with awareness and timely action. As urbanization and climate change increase mosquito habitats, it is more important than ever to take preventive steps at both personal and community levels. Stay informed, stay protected, and encourage others to do the same.

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