The dangers of Dengue cannot be ignored as the disease has gone viral with the number of dengue suffers increasing daily. It is a contracted by the bite of a mosquito, specifically the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. The mosquito acts as the carrier transmitting the disease from an infected person to another. However, the disease is not contagious and cannot be transmitted directedly from one person to another person.

Commonly referred to as ‘dengue mosquitos’ the Aedes Aegypti mosquito is active during the day as well, unlike other mosquitos and while mostly prevalent during the rainy season, can breed in fresh water filled spaces, such as pots, bowls, cans and even plastic bags. A single bite from an infected mosquito is enough to cause the disease. Symptoms usually take up to about 10 days to two weeks to develop after being bitten.

Types of dengue

Presently, there are four main strains of dengue that have been identified. Referred to as DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4, when one strain is contracted it does give the patient lifelong immunity against that particular strain. However, not so for the other strains and subsequent infections by other strains can increase the risk of a patient developing severe dengue. Dengue in its severe form causes abdominal pains and haemorrhaging which can lead to shock and in some cases, life threatening.

What are basic symptoms of dengue?

Fever accompanied by chills, is the number one factor, especially if they last for two or more days. Other symptoms include intense joint and muscle pain, headaches, pain behind the eyes, a rash, fatigue, red palms and soles and in extreme cases bleeding gums and blood in vomit. Some people may suffer from a loss of appetite and low back pains.

Fever, a rash and a headache are dengue characteristics referred to as the ‘dengue triad’. Owing to the spread of dengue throughout the island, a doctor may prescribe a dengue antigen blood test be done immediately. If a patient has fever for 2 days or more and the platelet count drops continuously (less than 150 000), it would be advisable to get admitted to hospital. The acute level of dengue can last for about one or two weeks.

What are the remedies available for dengue?

As the dengue fever is a virus, there are no specific antibiotics or antiviral medications that can be used to treat it. If hospitalization is not necessary dengue can be treated at home with remedies such as regular and monitored fluid intake for constant hydration, which is very important. The patient’s fluid output should be monitored as well.

Another essential factor is rest, as exertion is bad during the acute level as well as when recuperating.

In most instances, it is advised that you do not take any drugs such as pain killers or anti-inflammatory drugs as they could add to the bleeding complications. Any drugs should only be taken under the supervision and guidance of a doctor, who will prescribe the relevant medication if headaches and body aches become unbearable.

Is dengue fatal?

If diagnosed in time, in most cases dengue is curable. While the symptoms last for about two weeks and rest is essential even after, patients usually do make a full recovery. According to statistics dengue is fatal in less than 1% of recorded cases.

However, dengue haemorrhagic fever can be fatal if not treated promptly. Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) tends to affect kids under 10 years of age more than other age groups. Symptoms include red or purple spots on the skin bruising easily, blood in the stools, bleeding gums, and spitting up blood. Hospitalization is essential to treat DHF.

What can be done to counter dengue?

The only way to counter dengue is through a collective effort to eradicate the mosquito that carries virus that causes dengue. We should all individually take responsibility to keep our environment clean and ensure there are no breeding grounds for the mosquito, such as stagnant water in trash cans, flower pots and even in old tires.

Use mosquito repellent such as citronella oil, right throughout the day and at night sleep under mosquito netting. Another good repellent is to burn citrus based oils, as the mosquitos do not like the smell.

If in a high-risk area try and wear long pants and long-sleeved tops. If there is a dengue patient in your home, be sure to inform the relevant local authorities so that fumigation can be done. Remember the mosquito can only get infected if it bites an infected person. When everyone takes the necessary precautions slowly but surely the dengue epidemic can be eradicated.