Dengue fever is often referred to as breakbone fever. The condition does not actually break bones, but this is how the pain has been described. This virus can be found in many locations around the world; it is sometimes fatal. The World Health Organization reports that currently about 50 million people contract dengue fever each year and 2.5 billion people are at risk of contracting it. It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of dengue fever.
What is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is a virus that is spread by the Aedes mosquito. It is only those mosquitoes who bite during the day that spread the disease. The incubation period before symptoms appear is from eight to ten days. The common symptoms of dengue fever include:
- high fever
- skin rash
- severe muscle and head pain
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea
- extreme tiredness
Untreated dengue fever can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever which involves internal and external bleeding which can become fatal if it develops to Dengue Shock Syndrome.
What to do if you Experience Dengue Fever Symptoms
The treatment for dengue fever will depend on the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases it be dealt with by pain relief, anti-fever medication, and maintaining good hydration thorough drinking plenty of fluids.
If the patient has developed dengue hemorrhagic fever they will be hospitalized and likely put on IV fluids to keep them hydrated. Their blood pressure will need to be carefully monitored to ensure that dengue hemorrhagic fever is not causing too much blood loss. It may also be necessary for them to have blood transfusions.
How to Avoid Contracting Dengue Fever
The best way for people to avoid contracting dengue fever is to not get bitten by mosquitoes; unfortunately there is no vaccine to protect against the virus. It is best to take precautions in those places where dengue fever is prevalent; urban areas in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world are the most dangerous. The incidence of the virus is much higher during the rainy season because the insect likes to use puddles for breeding purposes.
People can lower their risk of contracting dengue fever by:
- wearing clothes that cover the body
- avoiding being outdoors at dawn and dusk when the mosquitoes are most active
- using mosquito repellent
Dengue fever can cause a lot of pain and discomfort but it can usually be treated without too much medical intervention. The important thing is that people who suspect they might have dengue fever symptoms should seek medical assistance. If the condition is allowed to go untreated it can be fatal.
Source:
Mayo Clinic article on Dengue Fever
Paul Garrigan - I'm a full-time freelance writer. I originally come from Ireland, but spent my twenties in England and now live in Thailand; As well as ...
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