Dengue fever is a disease caused by viruses that are transmitted to people by mosquitoes (Aedes species). Dengue fever usually causes fever (high, about 104 F-105 F), skin rash ands pain (headaches and often severe muscle and joint pains).

It is also called breakbone fever” or “dandy fever.Dengue Fever is a viral infection that is becoming alarmingly, increasingly prevalent in the Indian community in recent years. It can be extremely dangerous, as reflected by the huge number of deaths it causes globally,Dengue has become a global problem since the Second World War and is common in more than 110 countries. Each year between 50 and 528 million people are infected and approximately 10,000 to 22,000 die.

Dengue Symptoms

If you contract dengue fever, symptoms usually begin about four to seven days after the initial infection. In many cases, symptoms will be mild. They may be mistaken for symptoms of the flu or another infection. Young children and people who have never experienced infection may have a milder illness than older children and adults. Symptoms generally last for about 10 days and can include:

• sudden, high fever (up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit)
• severe headache
• swollen lymph glands
• severe joint and muscle pains
• skin rash (appearing between two and five days after the initial fever)
• mild to severe nausea
• mild to severe vomiting
• mild bleeding from the nose or gums
• mild bruising on the skin
• febrile convulsions
• Bleeding from mouth or gums

Causes of Dengue Disease

Dengue is spread by several species of mosquito of the Aedes type, principally A. aegypti.The virus has five different types. infection with one type usually gives lifelong immunity to that type, but only short-term immunity to the others. Subsequent infection with a different type increases the risk of severe complications. When an infected mosquito bites a human, the virus is transmitted to that person. Mostly, people suffering from dengue disease get better in 2 weeks. But, some may feel depressed and fatigue for months after the infection.

Dengue Test

The diagnosis of dengue fever may be confirmed by microbiological laboratory testing. This can be done by virus isolation in cell cultures, nucleic acid detection byPCR, viral antigen detection (such as for NS1) or specific antibodies (serology).

How to Prevent Dengue Fever

There is no vaccine to prevent dengue fever. The best method of protection is to avoid mosquito bites and to reduce the mosquito population.

• Empty watering cans and buckets and store them under shelter
• Don’t allow to block scupper drains
• Loosen soil form potted plants
• Remove water from plant pots
• Change water in flower vases every other day
• Leaves should not block anything
• avoid heavily populated residential areas

• use mosquito repellent indoors and outdoors
• wear long-sleeved shirts and pants tucked into socks
• use air conditioning instead of opening windows
• ensure that window and door screens are secure, and any holes are repaired
• use mosquito nets if sleeping areas are not screened

Reducing the mosquito population involves getting rid of mosquito breeding areas. These areas include any place that still water can collect, such as:

• birdbaths
• pet dishes
• empty planters
• flower pots
• cans
• any empty vessel

These areas should be checked, emptied, or changed regularly.

If you ever find yourself or a loved one in need call 011-410-77-102, +91-7861-021-021, +91-8595-102-102 and visit https://www.familyhealthcare.co.in/