Dengue is a disease caused by a virus transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Its diffusion is prevalent in the Caribbean, Central America and Central-South Asia. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, pain behind the eye (retro-bulbar pain), joint and muscle pain, and skin rashes. Sometimes it occurs mildly, but in others it can worsen and even lead to hemorrhagic fever, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting to know Dengue
Step 1. Recognize common symptoms
In milder cases, dengue is asymptomatic. However, in the most severe ones, symptoms appear 4-10 days after the infected mosquito bite. The most common symptoms include:
- High fever (up to 41 ° C);
- Headache;
- Muscle, bone and joint pains;
- Retro-bulbar pain;
- Rash;
- Nausea and vomit;
- Epistaxis and gingival haemorrhage (rarely).
Step 2. Find out about the transmission method
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the main spreading vehicle for dengue. The insect can become infected by biting an infected person and in turn transmit the disease to other people.
- The virus remains active in the blood of the infected individual from the first to the seventh day of the febrile phase. Therefore, anyone who comes in contact with the infected patient's blood (such as a doctor or other health care practitioner) can be exposed to this disease.
- Dengue can spread from mother to fetus, so care should be taken for pregnant women in areas where the virus may be present.
Step 3. Consider your risk factors
If you live or travel frequently to tropical or subtropical countries, the risk of contracting dengue is greater. You may have a relapse even if you have already been infected once. In this case, if you contract the virus a second time, you run the risk of developing severe symptoms.
The disease is widespread in many tropical countries in Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the South Pacific, the Caribbean, Central and South America, northeastern Australia and Africa. After 56 years of absence, dengue has also reappeared in Hawaii
Part 2 of 3: Reduce Exposure to Infected Mosquitoes
Step 1. Stay at home or protect yourself under a mosquito net at times preferred by mosquitoes
The dengue mosquito has two moments of maximum activity during which it attacks its prey: in the morning, for a few hours after sunrise and in the late afternoon, for a few hours before night falls. However, it can feed at any time of the day, especially indoors, in shady areas, or when it's cloudy.
- Sleep indoors, in a building with mosquito nets on the windows or air conditioning, or opt for a net (or both).
- Make sure the mosquito nets are not pierced or damaged.
Step 2. Use insect repellent when outdoors
You need to protect yourself from mosquito bites if you spend your time outdoors in infested areas. Apply insect repellent to all exposed parts of the body before going outside.
- Adults and children over two months old should use a repellent containing 10% DEET (diethyltoluamide).
- Protect babies under two months of age by covering the stroller with a mosquito net with elastic edges to stretch it correctly.
Step 3. Cover up
You can reduce the risk of stings by covering yourself as much as possible. Wear loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, socks, and long pants if you travel to mosquito-infested areas.
For added protection, you can also spray your clothes with a permethrin-based product or other repellent. Remember not to apply permethrin to the skin
Step 4. Eliminate standing water in your vicinity
Mosquitoes proliferate in still waters. Breeding areas include all places where water tends to collect, such as tires, exposed barrels, buckets, flower pots or pots, cans and cisterns. Reduce the number of mosquitoes by eliminating sources of standing water accumulated around your home or in the area where you camp.
Part 3 of 3: Treatment
Step 1. See a doctor right away if you suspect you have dengue
If your body temperature rises after a trip to areas where it is widespread, don't hesitate to see your doctor if you want your chances of survival not to be reduced. If symptoms worsen, he will surely monitor your blood pressure, give you blood transfusions, and seek other medical treatment.
Step 2. Understand that there is no cure for dengue
Although several vaccines have been studied, there is no cure for this disease. If you survive, you will be immune to the strain you have been infected with. However, you can still contract one of the three remaining strains.
Step 3. Stay hydrated
Dengue can cause diarrhea and vomiting, which in turn causes dehydration. Therefore, it is important to drink plenty of water in case of contagion. Your doctor may also give you intravenous fluids to keep you hydrated.
Step 4. Relieve the pain
It is recommended that paracetamol be taken to relieve pain associated with dengue, as it also helps lower fever. Also, unlike NSAIDs, it is less likely to promote bleeding, which can occur if the symptoms of the disease worsen.
Advice
- Remember that there is no vaccine to prevent dengue and no particular medicine to treat those affected by this disease, so you must protect yourself against mosquito bites if you live or travel to an area infested with this virus.
- All people who become ill after a trip should warn their doctor so that they can inquire about endemic diseases in the recently visited region, including dengue.
