The Uruguayan Ministry
of Public Health has confirmed the first case of indigenous
Dengue in Uruguay. The patient is in Salto, a city in the north
of the country.
Below is some information about Dengue and
how to prevent it.
DENGUE FEVER
Q: What is dengue fever?
A: Dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever are viral diseases
transmitted by AEDES mosquitoes, usually Aedes aegypti.
Q: How does dengue fever occur?
A: Dengue viruses spread to humans by the bite of female
mosquitoes. These mosquitoes acquire the virus while feeding
on the blood of an infected person. The virus circulates
in the blood of infected humans for 2 –7 days leading
to fever. Recovery from infection provided immunity against
that particular virus but offers only partial protection
against the other three viruses. In fact, subsequent infection
increases the risk of a more complicated fever called as
"dengue hemorrhagic fever".
Q: What are the clinical features
of dengue fever?
A: In infants and young children, dengue presents as a mild
fever with rash. Older children and adults may have the
classical symptoms of high fever, severe headache, pain
behind the eyes, pain in the joints and muscles and rash.
The pain in the back may be so severe that it is also called
as backbreaking fever.
Dengue hemorrhagic fever is characterized
by high fever, bleeding and liver enlargement. It requires
urgent hospitalization as it may even lead to death.
Q: What is the treatment of dengue
fever?
A: Treatment for dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever is
supportive. Painkillers may be needed for severe body ache.
The patient should take adequate fluids to prevent dehydration.
In case of bleeding or any other complications, patient
may require hospitalization.
Q: How can dengue be prevented?
A: The only method of preventing dengue is controlling the
mosquito infestation. The mosquito causing dengue primarily
breeds in man-made containers like uncovered barrels, buckets,
flower vases or pots, old tires, cans and cisterns. Empty
out all flowerpots and other outside containers of any standing
water. As the Aedes mosquito prefers clean water to breed,
flush all the toilets, even if not in use, several times
a day. The use of mosquito repellent is advised. Cover up
with light-colored clothing and wear socks – mosquitoes
are attracted to ankles. To reduce your risk of acquiring
dengue, remain in well-screened or air-conditioned areas
when possible.
The principal vector mosquito, Aedes
aegypti prefers to feed on humans during the daytime
and most frequently is found in or near human habitations.
There are two peak periods of biting activity, in the morning
for several hours after daybreak and in the late afternoon
for several hours before dark.
Vaccination is not yet available. Vaccine
development is difficult because any of the four different
viruses may cause disease and because protection against
only one or two dengue viruses could actually increases
the risk of dengue hemorrhagic fever.
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