Dengue signs & symptoms, treatment, prevention

Aedes Mosquito

Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. It’s widespread in many parts of the world. In most people the infection is mild and passes in about a week without causing any lasting problems. But in rare cases it can be very serious and potentially life threatening.
There’s no specific treatment or widely available vaccine for dengue, so it’s important to try to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes when visiting an area where the infection is found.

Symptoms of dengue:-
Symptoms of dengue usually develop suddenly 4 to 10 days after becoming infected.
Symptoms can include:
• A high temperature (fever), which can reach 40C (104F) or higher
• A severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Muscle andjoint pain
• Feeling or being sick
• A widespread red rash
• Loss of appetite
The symptoms normally pass in about a week, although you may feel tired and slightly unwell for several weeks afterwards.

Treatment for dengue:-
There’s no cure or specific treatment for dengue. Treatment involves relieving your symptoms while the infection runs its course. You can usually look after yourself at home.
The following can help:
• Take paracetamol to relieve pain and fever – avoid aspirin or ibuprofen, as these can cause bleeding problems in people with dengue
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration – if you’re currently abroad, only drink bottled water from properly sealed bottles
• Get plenty of rest

Preventing dengue:-
There’s currently no widely available vaccine for dengue. You can prevent it by avoiding being bitten by mosquitoes.
The following can reduce your risk of being bitten:
• Use insect repellent – products containing 50% DEET are most effective, but lower concentrations (15-30% DEET) should be used in children, and alternatives to DEET should be used in children younger than two months
• Wear loose but protective clothing – mosquitoes can bite through tight-fitting clothes; trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and socks and shoes (not sandals) are ideal
• Sleep under a mosquito net – ideally one that has been treated with insecticide
• Be aware of your environment – mosquitoes that spread dengue breed in standing water in urban areas.

Dr. MD. Rahmatullah (shuvo)
M.B.B.S (china)