WHAT IS DENGUE FEVER?
(& Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever)
Dengue is a disease transmitted to humans by infected
mosquitoes. The potentially fatal disease is caused by a group
of four viruses that are mosquito born.
WHAT ARE THE FOUR DENGUE VIRUSES?
Dengue and Dengue Fever are caused by one of four
virus serotypes: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, DEN-4. The four virus
are closely related, however they are anitgenically distinct.
Unfortunately, a person can have several dengue infections in
their lifetime because a person does not become immune to the
other three viruses if infected.
HOW IS DENGUE FEVER SPREAD?
Dengue fever is transmitted by mosquitoes who have
been infected with the dengue virus. In the Western Hemisphere,
the Aedes aegypti is the one mosquito species that transmits
the disease. When a mosquito bites a person who has Dengue or
Dengue Fever, the insect becomes infected and acts as a carrier
of the virus. The disease spreads when mosquito-carriers bite
healthy individuals who are now hosts for the virus. The Dengue
virus is only spread by mosquitoes; it is not spread directly
from person to person. The Aedes aegypti is a day-biting
mosquito that prefers to feed on humans.
WHO GETS DENGUE FEVER?
Everyone is susceptible to the disease if exposed
to infected mosquitoes. Dengue fever is a current epidemic in
more than 100 subtropical countries where the mosquito population
is high. These tropical regions include the Caribbean, Central
America, Puerto Rico and tropical Asia. Travelers are often infected
by the disease when visiting tropical areas where dengue commonly
exists. Unfortunately, infected travelers may return home spreading
the virus to mosquitoes of other locations, who subsequently pass
it to other individuals.
DENGUE FEVER vs. DENGUE HEMORRHAGIC FEVER
Dengue Hemmorrhagic Fever is a more severe, often
fatal form of Dengue Fever. The two types of fever are caused
by the same group of virus as dengue; the only differences are
observed in the symptoms.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Symptoms usually occur from three to fifteen days after exposure to an infected exposure.
Dengue Fever: The symptoms of Dengue Fever are characterized by an abrupt fever lasting for 5-7 days, severe headaches, muscle and joint pains, and rash. The clinical features may vary according to the age of the patient.
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever:
The hemorrhagic form of dengue fever induce more severe symptoms.
These effects include: loss of appetite, vomiting, high fever,
abdominal pain, and intense headaches. Circulatory failure and
shock may occur in severe cases. If the disease is left untreated,
the disease results in death of over half of individuals who are
infected.
WHAT TYPES OF TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?
Currently there is no cure and no specific treatment
available, however, lives have been saved under clinical observation
and care. Vaccine development for Dengue and Dengue Hemorrhagic
Fever is difficult because any of the four dengue viruses may
cause disease. An immunization of only one or two of the viruses
could actually inflate the risk of serious disease. Progress
is being made to solve this problem.
PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Minimal exposure to mosquitoes and use of repellent
is advised, however, the elimination of the mosquitoes is best.
Furthermore, scientists are investigating genetic engineering
for preventive measures. They hope to genetically inhibit the
mosquito from transmitting the disease.
