During the rainy season, when the water around us fills up and mosquitoes start breeding, one of the biggest fears that comes to everyone's mind is dengue. Even the sight of a small mosquito makes your heart flutter, doesn't it? So, today we will talk precisely and simply about dengue fever, which everyone is talking about these days, its symptoms, ways to stay safe, and treatment.
What exactly is dengue fever?
Simply put, dengue fever is a disease caused by a virus. It enters our bodies when we are bitten by a mosquito of the Aedes species that carries the dengue virus. This mosquito gets the virus when it sucks the blood of a person who already has dengue. The most important thing is that dengue fever is not transmitted directly from one person to another. For this, that mosquito has to be an intermediary.
This disease is very common in tropical countries like Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is very important that we always be aware of this.
Are there varieties of the dengue virus?
Yes. There are four main types, or as doctors call them, serotypes, of the dengue virus.
- DENV-1
- DENV-2
- DENV-3
- DENV-4
All four cause similar symptoms. But the special thing here is that if you get dengue from one type of virus (for example, DENV-1), your body develops lifelong immunity against that type. This means that you will never get dengue from that type again. However, you only get temporary protection from the other three types. Therefore, there is a risk of getting dengue a second time from a different type of virus.
What is the difference between dengue and malaria?
Like dengue, malaria is also a mosquito-borne disease. But the two are completely different. It is important to know this difference clearly.
| Feature | Dengue Fever | Malaria |
|---|---|---|
| Breeding organism | By the dengue virus. | By a malaria parasite. |
| Disease-carrying mosquito | Aedes mosquito (usually bites during the day). | Anopheles mosquito (usually bites at night). |
| Main symptoms | High fever, pain under the eyes, body and joint pain, skin rashes. | High fever with chills, extreme fatigue, jaundice, and convulsions. |
| Treatment | There is no specific medicine for the virus. Supportive treatment is provided for the symptoms. | There are specific medications for malaria. |
What are the symptoms of dengue?
Symptoms usually begin to appear between 4 and 10 days after the mosquito bite.
Common symptoms of dengue fever:
- Very high fever (104°F / 40°C)
- Unbearable headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Severe pain in the body, joints, and bones (which is why it is also called "breakbone fever")
- Nausea and vomiting
- Red skin rash
Sometimes these symptoms are very mild and can feel like a common cold. So if you have any doubts, it's best to see a doctor.
Dangerous symptoms to watch out for!
Sometimes, normal dengue fever can develop into a dangerous condition called Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever . If you experience these symptoms, you should go to a hospital or Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately .
Warning Signs:
* Severe stomach pain
* Vomiting that doesn't stop
*Bleeding from the nose or gums
* Bleeding with vomiting, stool, or urine
* Bleeding under the skin (like bruises)
* Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
* Extreme fatigue, lethargy
* Restlessness or irritability
This condition can progress to Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) and can even be life-threatening. So be very aware of these symptoms.
How to know for sure if it is dengue? (Diagnosis)
If you suspect you have dengue, a doctor can confirm it by doing a blood test. Don't forget to tell your doctor, especially if you've been to a dengue-prone area and develop a fever.
There are several main tests used to diagnose dengue:
- Antibody Tests: This checks for antibodies in your blood that your body makes against the dengue virus. One such test is the MAC-ELISA.
- Molecular Tests: These directly look for the presence of the virus' genetic material in the blood. The most common test for this type of test is the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
- Complete Blood Count (CBC / FBC): This is a very important test in dengue. When dengue occurs, the number of platelets and white blood cells in our blood decreases. This test can help the doctor get an idea of the severity of your illness.
What are the treatments for dengue?
The most important thing is that there is no specific medicine yet to kill the dengue virus. All we can do is control the symptoms and support the body.
If you think you have dengue, do these things:
1. Take painkillers: Use only paracetamol for fever and body aches.
2. Avoid these medications: Avoid taking painkillers (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen . They can increase the risk of bleeding.
3. Get plenty of rest: Give your body as much rest as possible.
4. Drink plenty of fluids: It is very important to prevent dehydration. Keep drinking water, juices, porridge, and other fluids.
If your symptoms are severe, if your fever subsides after two or three days and you feel unwell again, or if you develop any of the dangerous symptoms we discussed earlier, seek medical advice immediately. You may need to be hospitalized for treatment.
How to protect yourself from dengue? (Prevention)
The best way to protect yourself from dengue is to protect yourself from mosquitoes. We all need to work together to do this.
Protect yourself:
- Use mosquito repellents: Apply mosquito repellent both indoors and outdoors.
- Dress appropriately: Wear long pants and long-sleeved clothing when going outside.
- Use mosquito nets: Be sure to sleep under a mosquito net when you sleep.
- Install screens on doors and windows: If possible, install screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
Let's eliminate mosquito breeding grounds:
This is the most important thing. The Aedes mosquito lays its eggs in clean, stagnant water . So check your garden and surroundings regularly.
- Get rid of things like old tires, yogurt cups, coconut shells, and empty cans.
- Always empty and dry the saucers under flower pots and the trays behind the refrigerator where water collects.
- Check the gutters on the roof for any leaves that are getting stuck and causing water to accumulate.
- Keep things like water tanks and barrels well closed.
If someone in your household has dengue, take extra care to protect others from mosquitoes, because a mosquito that bites that person can spread the disease to other people in the household.
Take-Home Message
- Dengue fever is spread by the Aedes mosquito. It is not transmitted directly from person to person.
- Although high fever, headache, and body aches are common symptoms, always be on the lookout for dangerous symptoms like severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, and bleeding .
- There is no specific medicine for the dengue virus. Treatment is only supportive care such as rest, fluids, and paracetamol .
- Avoid taking painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
- The best way to protect yourself from dengue is to avoid mosquito bites and destroy mosquito breeding sites. It is your responsibility to keep your surroundings clean.
- If in doubt or if dangerous symptoms appear, see your doctor or go to a hospital immediately.
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