DENGUE FEVER PRECAUTIONS

Hi ALL..!!!

Many cases of Dengue fever have been reported in Delhi and NCR. Following tips about this fever should be kept in mind :--

What is dengue fever? What is dengue hemorrhagic fever?

>Dengue fever is a Flu-like illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.
>Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a rare but severe, often fatal, complication of dengue fever.

What is the infectious agent that causes dengue?

Dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever are caused by any of the dengue family of viruses. Infection with one virus does not protect a person against infection with another.

How is dengue spread?

Dengue is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. The mosquito transmits the disease by biting an infected person and then biting someone else.

Where is dengue found?

The mosquitoes that transmit dengue live among humans and breed in discarded tyres, flower pots, old oil drums, and water storage containers close to human dwellings. Aedes mosquito thrives in fresh water. Unlike the mosquitoes that cause malaria, dengue mosquitoes bite during the day.

What are the signs and symptoms of dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever?

1. Sudden high temperature.
2. Frontal Headache and pain lower abdomen.
3. Pain in eyes, joints and muscles. Pain is severe hence the name breakbone fever.
4. Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
5. Rashes in upper part of chest.
6. In later stage bleeding from nose, mouth, gums,or blood vomiting

(Dengue Hemorrhagic fever). How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?

The time between the bite of a mosquito carrying dengue virus and the start of symptoms averages 4 to 6 days, with a range of 3 to 14 days. An infected person cannot spread the infection to other persons but can be a source of dengue virus for mosquitoes for about 6 days.

How is dengue diagnosed?

Dengue is diagnosed by a Blood Test.

Who is at risk for dengue?

Anyone who is bitten by an infected mosquito can get dengue fever. Risk factors for dengue hemorrhagic fever include a person's age and immune status, as well as the type of infecting virus. Persons who were previously infected with one or more types of dengue virus are thought to be at greater risk for developing dengue hemorrhagic fever if infected again.

What is the treatment for dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever?

There is no specific treatment for dengue.
Persons with dengue fever should rest and drink plenty of fluids.
They should be kept away from mosquitoes for the protection of others.
Aspirin should be avoided.
Most people recover completely in two weeks time.
Dengue hemorrhagic fever is treated by replacing lost fluids.
Some patients need platelet transfusions to control bleeding.

How can dengue be prevented?

There is no vaccine to prevent dengue.
Prevention centers on avoiding mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

Avoid mosquito bite :

Use mosquito repellents on skin and clothing. When outdoors during times that mosquitoes are biting, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks. When indoors, stay in air-conditioned or screened areas. Use mosquito nets if sleeping areas are not wire-meshed or air-conditioned. If you have symptoms of dengue, report to your doctor.


Eliminate mosquito breeding sites: Eliminate mosquito breeding sites around homes. Discard items that can collect rain or run-off water, especially old tyres. Regularly change the water in pet and animal water containers, money plants, desert coolers, other water storage containers.