HOW DO I KNOW WHEN OR IF I HAVE DENGUE?
It is difficult
to differentiate between dengue
and other types of fever like influenza.
In the early stages of infection, dengue fever and flu have similar symptoms, but there are certain things to look for.
In the early stages of infection, dengue fever and flu have similar symptoms, but there are certain things to look for.
Common cold
and influenza usually
involve coughing, a runny nose and sore throat, and these symptoms are not present in most cases of dengue.
People infected with the dengue
virus will develop a fever higher than
if they had the common cold or flu,
usually around 39-40C. They will also have muscle and bone pain. A rash of
red bumps might not help in differentiating because all virus-causing infections are likely to
lead to a rash. A laboratory test is the best
way to make sure if patients are infected with the virus.
WHEN
DO PEOPLE GET SICK WITH DENGUE?
- Dengue is
mostly contagious during the monsoons
Dengue fever
started spreading in Malaysia more
than 50 years ago. In the past, thepattern of
the outbreak was predictable -- like once
every two years. But because theglobal climate has become unpredictable, it affects medical practitioners'
ability toforecast the epidemic pattern.
In Malaysia, for example, sometimes it doesn't rain when it's supposed to or sometimes it rains out of the rainy season. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
In Malaysia, for example, sometimes it doesn't rain when it's supposed to or sometimes it rains out of the rainy season. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
MOSQUITOES TRANSMIT DENGUE TO HUMANS
- Dengue virus is not transmitted from person to
person
The mosquito Aedes aegypti is responsible for transmitting the dengue virus to humans. The virus is not transmittable from person to person. Therefore, people suffering from the disease should not be considered contagious.
There are four dengue virus subtypes -- dengue virus 1, 2, 3 and 4. Thrisadee is infected with the second strain of the virus.
The mosquito Aedes aegypti is responsible for transmitting the dengue virus to humans. The virus is not transmittable from person to person. Therefore, people suffering from the disease should not be considered contagious.
There are four dengue virus subtypes -- dengue virus 1, 2, 3 and 4. Thrisadee is infected with the second strain of the virus.
WHO IS AT RISK?
- About half of the world's population is at risk
According to the World Health
Organization (WHO), the global incidence
of dengue has grown dramatically in recent decades. Approximately 500,000
people with acute dengue require hospitalisation each year,
a majority of who are
children. About 2.5% of those affected die.
Dengue fever was first recognised in
the 1950s during dengue epidemics in
the Philippines and Thailand.
A severe form of dengue can lead to
serious complications and death,
especially among children in some Asian and Latin American countries. People
in urban andrural areas have equal risks of being infected.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BODY?
- The patient's immune
system worsens the
disease
When a patient is infected with the dengue virus, the body produces immunity to fight against the sickness.
When a patient is infected with the dengue virus, the body produces immunity to fight against the sickness.
But an overreaction of
the body's immune system is
itself harmful, causing a low platelet
count and subsequently internal bleeding, liver damage and blood vessel leakage in severe cases.
Dengue shock is
likely to occur as a result of severe dehydration and is associated with high mortality.
There is no need to panic because this is not to say that every dengue fever patientwill suffer severe complications. If you develop a high fever and suspect that you might be infected, early treatment is advised.
There is no need to panic because this is not to say that every dengue fever patientwill suffer severe complications. If you develop a high fever and suspect that you might be infected, early treatment is advised.
WHAT NOT TO DO
- Taking paracetamol or painkillers prior to a doctor visit is
dangerous.
Aspirin and Ibuprofen reduce the function of platelets, which can lead to internal bleeding. The virus attacks the liver so taking too much medication such as two paracetamol to cool down the body temperature could worsen physical conditions.
Aspirin and Ibuprofen reduce the function of platelets, which can lead to internal bleeding. The virus attacks the liver so taking too much medication such as two paracetamol to cool down the body temperature could worsen physical conditions.
TREATMENTS?
- There is no specific treatment for dengue fever.
If a clinical diagnosis is made early, specialists can provide treatments based on a patient's condition.
If a clinical diagnosis is made early, specialists can provide treatments based on a patient's condition.
Treatments usually involve fluid replacement to prevent dehydration, as well aswhole blood or
platelet transfusion for patients who bleed
internally.
VACCINES?
- There are no vaccines available.
Scientists and medical experts are in the process of developing a vaccine against dengue and it is expected to be available in the near future.
Scientists and medical experts are in the process of developing a vaccine against dengue and it is expected to be available in the near future.
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