Dengue Fever: Understanding the Symptoms, Causes & Prevention

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquitoes.

Here are the main causes of dengue fever:

● Mosquito bite

 The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito.

● Virus transmission

The dengue virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, which acquires the virus by feeding on the blood of an infected person.

● Human-to-mosquito transmission

When an infected person is bitten by a mosquito, the virus is transmitted to the mosquito, which can then infect other people.

● Mosquito breeding

Standing water and poor sanitation contribute to mosquito breeding, increasing the risk of dengue transmission.

● Travel and migration

Travelers and migrants can spread the virus to new areas, leading to outbreaks.

● Urbanization and poor waste management

Urbanization and poor waste management contribute to mosquito breeding sites, increasing the risk of transmission.

● Climate change

Climate change can alter mosquito habitats and increase the risk of transmission.

● Lack of immunity

People who have not been previously infected with dengue virus are more susceptible to infection.

● Genetic factors

Some people may be more susceptible to severe dengue due to genetic factors.

It's important to note that dengue fever is not contagious and cannot be spread directly from person to person. The primary cause of dengue fever is the bite of an infected mosquito.

Symptoms:

Infants and young children may show different symptoms, such as irritability, restlessness, or convulsions, and teenagers may not exhibit signs or symptoms in mild cases of infection. The symptoms normally surface 4 – 10 days after the person has been bitten.

Here are the common signs and symptoms of dengue:

Early Symptoms (1-3 days):

1. Sudden onset of high fever (104°F/40°C)

2. Severe headache

3. Pain behind the eyes

4. Joint pain and muscle pain

5. Fatigue

6. Nausea and vomiting

7. Skin rash (in some cases)

Critical Symptoms (3-7 days):

1. Severe abdominal pain

2. Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material

3. Bleeding from nose, gums, or wounds

4. Difficulty breathing

5. Rapid heart rate

6. Low blood pressure

7. Confusion or restlessness

Warning Signs:

1. Severe pain in the abdomen or chest

2. Vomiting blood or black tarry stools

3. Bleeding from gums, nose, or wounds

4. Difficulty breathing or rapid heart rate

5. Confusion or restlessness

Severe Dengue Symptoms:

1. Dengue hemorrhagic fever (bleeding, low platelet count)

2. Dengue shock syndrome (low blood pressure, shock)

*Keep in mind that dengue symptoms can vary from person to person, and some cases may be severe.

Prevention:

Dengue fever vaccines are still in the nascent stage of development. Therefore, it behooves that precautionary measures be taken to stay safe.

Personal Protection:

1. Wear protective clothing (long sleeves, pants, socks)

2. Use insect repellents (DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus)

3. Apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing

4. Avoid peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk)

5. Use air conditioning or screened windows

Mosquito Control:

1. Eliminate standing water around homes (breeding sites)

2. Use mosquito nets or screens on windows and doors

3. Install mosquito traps or UV light traps

4. Use larvicides or insecticides in standing water

5. Regularly clean and dry containers that hold water

Community Prevention:

1. Organize community clean-up campaigns

2. Implement waste management systems

3. Conduct public awareness campaigns

4. Distribute mosquito nets or repellents

5. Establish mosquito surveillance programs

Travel Precautions:

1. Research dengue risk in destination countries

2. Take personal protection measures (repellents, clothing)

3. Stay in air-conditioned or screened accommodations

4. Avoid peak mosquito hours

5. Consult a doctor before traveling if you have concerns

Other Precautions:

1. Avoid touching or handling dead mosquitoes (risk of infection)

2. Keep homes clean and clutter-free (reduces breeding sites)

3. Use mosquito repellent candles or coils (outdoors)

4. Plant mosquito-repelling plants (citronella, lemongrass)

5. Stay informed about local dengue outbreaks and take necessary precautions

Remember, prevention is key! By taking these safety precautions, you can reduce your risk of getting dengue fever.

If you have been unfortunate to have been affected by Dengue Fever, please contact us, PMK SCANS & LABS immediately and get treated.

Why choose PMK SCANS & LABS in Hosur?

● No.1 Diagnostic Centre in Hosur.

● First and Only Lab in Hosur offering CLIA Technology for accurate diagnosis of Dengue Antigen & Antibodies.

● Home Sample Collection for both Fever Testing & Dengue Testing.

Diagnostic Tests for Dengue:

● Advanced CLIA Technology

● Complete Blood Count (CBC)

● Dengue Virus Isolation

● Dengue Virus PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

● ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)

● ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)

● Fever Profile

● Hematocrit Elevation

● IgG Antibody Test

● IgM Antibody Test

● Lateral Flow Assay

● Low Platelet Count (thrombocytopenia)

● Low White Blood Cell Count (leukopenia)

● NS1 Antigen Test

● Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

● Peripheral Smear

● Platelet Count

● Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs)

● Ultrasound Scan

● Urine Complete Analysis

Easiest & Best Way to Stay Safe

Just Call Us or Book an Appointment now for a Home Sample Collection & Get Dengue Fever Screen Testing & Fever Profile Testing from Home at your comfort for your safety.