Dengue Fever

(Pronounced as Dhen Gey)

Alternative Names
Onyong- Nyang Fever West Nile Fever Break Bone Fever Dengue like Disease

Inter play of three factors

WE

Interaction

The Virus

The Mosquito

The Virus

Dengue Virus

The Dengue Virus

Four types (flavours) Type 1 to 4 (named very cleverly) Transmitted by mosquito

Indian national airliner for most germs!

Dengue Virus
Electron Micrograms

The Aircraft for Dengue

Difficult name to pronounce?
We have to ask its parents (Zoologists)

Aedes aegypti
(Infected Female Mosquito)

mostly females are

dangerous anyway joking!

Watch out ! This 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

The Aircraft (Aedes aegypti)

This special mosquito

Transmits
Many Dangerous illnesses

See our greatness!

Prevalent from centuries

Highly prevalent now

Dengue Fever

Dengue viruses 4 flavours cause it It is transmitted by a mosquito- the Aedes aegypti It is generally an animal virus Man is accidentally infected Other vertebrates are the reservoirs

Dengue Transmission Cycle

Dengue colourful features!

Clinical Features

Dengue Presentations
Like any other viral fever- not clear cut Dengue Fever with Muscle pains this is classical presentation in 90% cases Dengue Fever with bleeding in 7% Dengue the dangerous form in 3%

Bleeding from where?

Bleeding into skin From Gums From Nose Into our food passages Blood in urine

What do we experience ?

27 days after the mosquito had its dinner on us we may develop Sudden onset of fever, chills, headache Back pain with severe muscle and joint pains Pain behind the eyes and on moving the eyes Nick name - Break bone fever- pains so severe Red patches or spots on the skin Mild nose bleeds

This is the ordinary classical Non dangerous form!

What is the end result?

Complete recovery is the rule Severe weakness many persist for many days after the fever leaves us

Skin bleeds

Dengue The bleeding form

Blood vessels are affected There is severe oozing into tissues Bleeding into all possible parts of body Blood clotting mechanism is disrupted Blood pressure falls and many end in collapse and death In the best centers 5% of this type of Dengue will reach their forefathers

Bleeding into the eye

Large bleed into skin

Bleeding spots in skin

Normal

Dengue

Rare types of Dengue

Brain fever Liver damage Heart damage Severe bleeding into stomach

What are the tests needed?

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

Special Test (ELISA)

ELISA Plate

IgM-capture ELISA

Treatment of Dengue
Supportive measures Mosquito screen Avoid Aspirin and pain killers Steroids should not be used Plenty of water and salt are required Children below 12 require careful watch for dangerous form No antibiotics are of proven value

Child with severe form of Dengue

Oxygen
IV Fluids

Special Care
See the tubes every where Frightening, isnt it?

Common Misconceptions

Severe Dengue is only a childhood illness No, All ages may be involved
Sever form is a problem of poor families No, The effluent do get very sick

Can we protect ourselves?

There is no vaccine available as yet But we can prevent the disease by preventing ourselves from mosquito bite

Mosquito Control
How to prevent mosquito spread?
Do not allow empty vessels, coconut shells, plastic containers, flower pots, tires etc to collect rain water in them 2. Frequently (once in 2-3 days) empty all water storage containers 3. Cover your over tanks to prevent mosquitoes breeding in fresh water
1.

How to prevent mosquito bites?

Screen your homes with mosquito screens like Netlon Wear full clothing long sleeves Apply mosquito repellents like Odomos Keep Dengue fever patient under mosquito net True community participation is key

We need to learn

Each person is a Book ! Each Day is a Learning Opportunity!! Learning has More Relevance today than ever !!!

Thank You !