(Pronounced as Dhen Gey)

Dengue Fever

What you need to know…

Alternative Names

Onyong- Nyang Fever West Nile Fever Break Bone Fever Dengue like Disease

Dengue Fever is an illness caused by infection with a virus transmitted by

the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

Inter play of three factors

WE

The Virus The Mosquito

Interaction

One distinct physical feature – black and white stripes on its body and legs.

Bites during the day.

Lays its eggs in clean, stagnant water.

Only the female Aedes mosquito feeds on blood. This is because they need the protein found in blood to produce eggs. Male mosquitoes feed only on plant nectar.

On average, a female Aedes mosquito can lay about 300 eggs during her life span of 14 to 21 days.

Do you know…

Eggs

2-3 days

LarvaePupae

4-5 days

Stagnant waterStagnant water

Life cycle of the Aedes Mosquito

How Do Aedes Mosquitoes Transmit Disease...

Mosquito bites and sucks blood containing the virus from an infected person.

And passes the virus to healthy people

when it bites them.

Virus is carried in its body.

Watch out ! This Mosquito

Day biting – normally catches us unaware Loves / lives in fresh water in homes Lays eggs preferentially in jars, discarded

containers, coconut shells, old tires etc. Year round breeding Tropical regions like our mother India are

its favorite zones. It is an urban mosquito

Dengue Fever (DF) and Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) are the most common mosquito-borne viral diseases in the world.

It can be fatal.

Do you know…

Prevalence of Dengue…

Prevalent from centuries Highly prevalent now

Dengue viruses – 4 flavours cause it

It is transmitted by a mosquito- the Aedes aegypti

It is generally an animal virus Man is accidentally infected Other vertebrates are the

reservoirs

Like any other viral fever- not clear cut

Dengue Fever with Muscle pains this is classical presentation in 90% cases

Dengue Fever with bleeding in 7%

Dengue – the dangerous form in 3%

Dengue Presentations

Bleeding into skin From Gums From Nose Into our food passages Blood in urine

What do we experience ?

2–7 days after the mosquito had its meal on us we may develop

Sudden onset of fever, chills, headache Back pain with severe muscle and joint pains Pain behind the eyes and on moving the eyes Nick name - Break bone fever- pains so severe Red patches or spots on the skin Mild nose bleeds

This is the ordinary classical Non dangerous form!

Signs & Symptoms

What are the tests needed?

Routine blood test Tests to check the clotting process Special tests to identify the Dengue

or its foot marks in our blood Urine to check protein leak

Treatment of Dengue

Supportive measures – Mosquito screen Avoid Aspirin and pain killers Steroids should not be used Plenty of water and salt are required Children below 12 require careful watch

for dangerous form No antibiotics are of proven value

Can we protect ourselves?

There is no vaccine available as yet

Prevent breeding of Mosquitoes-- controlPrevent Mosquito bites

Spread the dengue prevention message to others…Let your family, friends and neighbours know about the dangers of breeding

Mosquitoes!!

Mosquito Control

How to prevent mosquito spread?1. Do not allow empty vessels,

coconut shells, plastic containers, flower pots, tires etc to collect rain water in them

2. Frequently (once in 2-3 days) empty all water storage containers

3. Cover your over tanks to prevent mosquitoes breeding in fresh water

Change water in vases on alternate days.

Remove water from flowerpot plates on alternate days.

Turn over all pails and water storage containers.

Do not litter. Rubbish such as cups and bottles can collect rain water

and breed mosquitoes.

This is what you can do to help…

Remove ALL sources of stagnant water.

Deny the Aedes mosquito of any

chance to breed.

How to prevent mosquito bites?

Screen your homes with mosquito screens like Netlon -

Wear full clothing – long sleeves Apply mosquito repellents like Odomos Keep Dengue fever patient under

mosquito net True community participation is key          Using sprays indoors and at possible

breeding places

Reach Yours Sincerely @

Your doctor Bhel general hospital Ramchandrapuram Hyderabad E-mail: medical@bhelhyd.co.in