Dengue (DENG-gey) fever is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes, and it has become a major health concern, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. The disease is commonly found in places with warmer climates, including countries like India. With increasing cases each year, the dengue risk is expected to stay high until 2025. 

Here, we’ll look at what dengue fever is, its symptoms, causes, and, importantly, how you can prevent it.

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is an illness caused by the dengue virus, which spreads to people through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. These mosquitoes are most active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. While dengue can be mild, it can also become severe and lead to serious health complications.

Dengue Symptoms

The symptoms of dengue fever usually appear 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Dengue fever often causes a high fever of around 104°F (40°C) and may come with a range of additional dengue symptoms, including:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Joint and muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash
• Mild bleeding (such as nosebleeds or gum bleeding)

These symptoms can be quite painful and can last up to a week. In some cases, dengue can develop into a more severe form called dengue hemorrhagic fever, which requires immediate medical attention due to the risk of bleeding and even organ damage.

Causes

Dengue fever is caused by one of four closely related viruses in the dengue virus group. You cannot catch dengue fever through direct contact with an infected person; it is spread solely through mosquito bites.

The two primary mosquito species that transmit the dengue virus, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, are commonly found in and around places where people live. When a mosquito bites someone already infected with the dengue virus, the virus enters the mosquito. Later, when this infected mosquito bites another person, the virus is transferred to that person's bloodstream, leading to infection.

After recovering from dengue fever, you gain long-term immunity to the specific type of dengue virus that infected you. However, this immunity does not protect you from the other three dengue virus types. This means you can be infected again by a different type of dengue virus. The risk of developing severe dengue fever is higher if you contract the infection a second, third, or fourth time, as each subsequent infection increases the likelihood of severe symptoms.

Dengue Prevention

Preventing dengue fever is largely about mosquito control and protecting yourself from bites. Here are some effective dengue prevention tips:

1. Remove Standing Water: Since Aedes mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, it’s essential to remove any standing water in and around your home. Empty containers, cover water storage, and clean any places where water can be collected.
    
2. Use Mosquito Repellent: Apply mosquito repellent on exposed skin, especially during the peak mosquito activity times of early morning and late afternoon.
    
3. Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks to reduce skin exposure. Light-colored clothing can also help as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
    
4. Use Mosquito Nets and Screens: Sleeping under a mosquito net and ensuring that windows and doors have screens can help keep mosquitoes out.
    
5. Keep Surroundings Clean: Regularly clean your surroundings and avoid litter that could collect water. This is particularly important in areas where dengue in India is common.

Dengue Treatment

There is currently no specific antiviral medicine to treat dengue fever. Most people with dengue recover with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain. It’s essential to avoid aspirin or ibuprofen, as these can increase the risk of bleeding.

For severe cases, hospitalization may be required, where patients receive intravenous fluids, monitoring, and supportive care. If you or someone you know shows signs of severe dengue, seek medical help immediately.

 Dengue Cases, Deaths & Fatality Rates in India: 2022-2024
 

Dengue fever is a challenging illness, but with proper dengue prevention and careful mosquito control efforts, the spread of dengue can be minimized. Knowing the dengue symptoms and following simple prevention tips can help protect you and your community from this disease. 

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