Dengue Fever | Symptoms and Prevention

What is Dengue?

Dengue fever is an infectious disease caused by dengue virus that is transmitted and spread through Aedes mosquito bite.

 

Aedes mosquito obtaining a 'blood meal'

Female Aedes are able to transmit the disease from an infected person to others

Control and preventive measures

  • Cover all water containers to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
  • Change water in the vases, pot bases and water containers and clean thoroughly every week.
  • Clean drainage pipes.
  • Remove water from items, such as unused tyres, empty cans and bottles to prevent them from becoming breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.
  • Add adequate amount of larvacide (TEMEPHOS- 10 grams per 20 gallons) into water storage to kill larvae every three months.
  • Use aerosol spray or conduct fogging activities at home to kill and repel Aedes mosquitoes.
  • Install screen on windows to prevent from mosquitoes bite.

Symptoms of Dengue infection

  • Sudden red burst of continuous high fever
  • Red rashes on skin
  • Acute pain in bones, muscles, joints, eye-balls and head
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting & Stomach ache
  • Bleeding from body, nose and mouth

Treatment

  • Vaccine tests are still carried out and there is no specific treatment for dengue, but appropriate medical care frequently saves the lives of patients with the more serious dengue haemorrhagic fever. See a doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment if you experience symptoms of dengue fever.