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.
How common is dengue?
In tropical countries around the world, dengue is one of the most common viral diseases spread to humans
by mosquitoes. Tens of millions of cases of dengue fever
and up to hundreds of thousands of cases of dengue hemorrhagic
fever occur each year.In the United States, approximately
100 cases of dengue are reported each year in travelers
returning from tropical areas. Many more cases probably
go unreported. A few persons have become infected with
dengue while living in the United States. Aedes mosquitoes
are found in Texas, Florida, and other southern states,
and locally acquired dengue has been reported three times
since 1980 in southern Texas.
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. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is treated by replacing lost fluids. Some patients need
transfusions to control bleeding.
How can I protect myself from
mosquito bites to prevent dengue fever?
There is no way to tell if a mosquito is carrying the
dengue virus .
Therefore, people must protect themselves from all mosquito
bites.
Dengue mosquitoes bite during the daytime. Highest
biting intensity is about 2 hours after sunrise and before
sunset.
Wear full sleeves clothes and long dresses to cover as
much of your body as possible.
Use repellents
Use mosquito coils and electric vapour mats during the daytime also to prevent dengue. Use mosquito nets to protect children, old people and others who may rest during the day. The effectiveness of these nets can be improved by treating them with permethrin (pyrethroid insecticide) .
