WAYS to cope with dengue FEVER

DENGUE FEVER: CAUSES AND PREVENTION

Dengue is a fever associated with mosquito bites. It is present when such symptoms as headache, chills, headache, and pain behind the eyes, extreme aching in her joints, and a high fever, a red rash and a complete or total exhaustion.

Dengue is a virus carried in the salivary gland of an infected mosquito. It is also known as break bone fever. The disease is dangerous because it has four types. When an infected mosquito carrying another type of Dengue virus bites a person it may result in dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is life-threatening because of the nature of the disease. Many may mistake it for ordinary flu or fever thus giving it more room to attack. In many Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia, it has been reported of the high risk posed by dengue. The fatality rate is quite high, which leaves the region in danger.

World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the disease threatens about 2.5 billion people worldwide. This is mainly attributed to the not-too-impressive posture of affected regions. The lack of interest and laxity in programs meant to control the mosquito that carries the virus has hit the rocks. Statistics reveals that “Over 100 tropical and sub-tropical countries have reported dengue outbreaks, and there are tens of millions of reported cases each year, with 95% of the infected being children”.

This is quite serious because it kills faster than other diseases. When undetected early it can result in circulatory failure and if left unattended may result in death. WHO estimates that yearly, 500,000 cases of DHF require hospitalization.

Fighting back

The best way to fight against dengue is to take appropriate preventive measures. Since dengue is carried by Aedes aegypti mosquito, it is necessary to discard any breeding accommodation for mosquitoes. The first step would be to discard all empty cans, tires and bottles that would be of a breeding site for mosquitoes.

Also, it is appropriate to get a good mosquito net, clean up surrounding and visit a good doctor for proper action. Appropriate steps will go a long way in controlling this menace and if possible, future vaccines will help in eradicating dengue for good.

Symptoms of both dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF)

· Sudden high fever

· Severe headache

· Pain behind the eyes

· Joint and muscle pain

· Swelling of lymph nodes

· Rash

· Exhaustion

Symptoms more specific for DHF

· Sudden collapse

· Skin hemorrhaging

· Generalized bleeding

· Cold, clammy skin

· Restlessness

· Shock with weak pulse (dengue shock syndrome)