Dengue [DEN-ghee] is a
flu-like viral disease spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Dengue hemorrhagicfever is a severe, often fatal, complication of dengue.
Dengue occurs in most tropical areas of the
world. Most U.S. cases occur in travelers returning
from abroad, but the dengue risk is increasing for persons
living along the Texas-Mexico border and in other parts
of the southern United States.
There is no specific treatment for dengue.
Prevention centers on avoiding mosquito bites
in areas where dengue occurs or might occur and eliminating
breeding sites.
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 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
can dengue be prevented?
There is no vaccine to prevent dengue. Prevention
centers on avoiding mosquito bites when traveling to areas
where dengue occurs and when in U.S. areas, especially
along the Texas-Mexico border, where dengue might occur.
Eliminating mosquito breeding sites in these areas is
another key prevention measure.Avoid mosquito bites when
traveling in tropical areas: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. Avoid heavily populated residential areas.
When indoors, stay in air-conditioned or screened areas.
Use bednets if sleeping areas are not screened or air-conditioned.
If you have symptoms of dengue, report your travel history
to your doctor. Eliminate mosquito breeding sites in areas
where dengue might occur:Eliminate mosquito breeding sites
around homes. Discard items that can collect rain or run-off
water, especially old tires. Regularly change the water
in outdoor bird baths and pet and animal water containers.
