DENGUE FEVER Definition: Dengue fever is an infection with a virus that is transmitted by an Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

It is an acute viral disease characterized by sudden onset of fever for 3-5

days, with intense headache, joint and muscle pain, pain behind the eyes, nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances and rash. Minor bleeding, such as gum and nose bleeding, may occur at any time during the febrile phase. Children usually have a milder disease than adults. The incubation period is 3 to 14 days. Characteristic of the mosquito:

Day biting normally catches us unaware Loves / lives in fresh water in homes Lays eggs preferentially in jars, discarded containers, coconut shells, old tires etc. Year round breeding Tropical regions like our mother India are its favorite zones. It is an urban mosquito

Manifestation of dengue virus infection:

ASYMPTOMATIC

Undifferentiated dengue fever Dengue fever

Without hemorrhagic

SYMPTOMATIC

With unusual hemorrhagic No shock

Dengue hemorrhagic fever DSS

Cause of dengue fever Dengue fever is caused by infection with one of four different viruses known as DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4. All four viruses are capable of causing the complications of dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.

Infection with one type gives you lifelong immunity to that particular dengue virus. However, the infection does not offer immunity to the other three types, so it is possible to contract dengue fever again. A person who has had dengue fever once is at increased risk of dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome if they get infected again.

Symptoms of dengue fever The typical signs and symptoms of uncomplicated dengue fever may include: High temperature within one week of infection Severe headache Pain behind the eyes Joint and muscle aches Metallic taste in the mouth Appetite loss Abdominal pain Nausea and vomiting Diarrhoea Generally feeling unwell (malaise) Skin rash that appears about four days after the onset of fever Depression.

Symptoms of dengue haemorrhagic fever Babies and young children are at increased risk of this complication. Signs and symptoms may include: All the above symptoms of uncomplicated dengue fever Bleeding under the skin, which causes purple bruises Bleeding from the nose or gums Liver problems Heart problems.

Symptoms of dengue shock syndrome All the above symptoms of uncomplicated dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever: Severe bleeding Extremely low blood pressure caused by blood loss (shock) Coma Death. Most infected areas of the world

Dengue fever is common throughout tropical and subtropical areas of: Africa The Caribbean Central America Central Pacific China India The Middle East South America Southeast Asia The South Pacific. Dengue fever in Australia

How it is spread? Dengue fever is not transmitted (spread) from person to person. Only infected mosquitoes transmit dengue fever. It is thought that the mosquito contracts the virus when it bites an infected person. The mosquito is then infective for the rest of its life and can spread the virus every time it bites someone.

At least three different kinds of mosquito in Australia are suspected to be dengue carriers: Ae aegypti, Ae scutellaris and Ae katherinensis. These mosquitoes are found in northern Queensland, the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia.

Diagnosis of dengue fever See a doctor immediately if you think you may have dengue fever. Early diagnosis is important to reduce the risk of complications and avoid further spread of the virus. Your doctor will ask about your medical history including any travel, and will do a physical examination. They may order a blood test.

There are two types of blood tests that can be used to diagnose dengue fever: Nucleic acid testing requires one blood test. Antibody testing requires two blood tests, three weeks apart.

Other tests: Routine blood test Tests to check the clotting process Special tests to identify the Dengue or its foot marks in our blood Urine to check protein leak

Treatment for dengue fever There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. Medical care aims to manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of complications while the person recovers. Most cases of uncomplicated dengue fever resolve within two weeks or so. During this time, your doctor may advise: Bed rest Plenty of fluids Drugs to reduce fever such as paracetamol (do not take aspirin because of its blood-thinning properties). Hospital admission is usually required if the person develops dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. Treatment for these complications may include intravenous fluids and replacement of lost electrolytes.

Avoid mosquito bites Protect yourself against mosquito bites when in dengue-prone areas. Suggestions include: Avoid outdoor activity, particularly around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Wear socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors. Wear mosquito repellent that contains the active constituents DEET (N,NDiethyl-m-toluamide) or picaridin. Reapply regularly and make sure you follow directions for safe use on the label.

Apply a product, such as permethrin, to your clothes or bedding. Use a bed net. Stay in air-conditioned accommodation with flyscreens on the windows.