Dengue fever is a viral infection caused by an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito. Aedes mosquito is a specie of mosquitoes found in the subtropical zones. Aedes aegypti is responsible for the transmission of other viruses like Zika virus, yellow fever and chikungunya. It is very active during the day and breeds in stagnant water.
Dengue fever affects people of all ages as it is only transmitted as a result of a mosquito bite.
1. Symptoms of dengue fever
Dengue fever is mainly identified by severe bones and joint pain. There are some other symptoms which are similar to other fevers like headache, anorexia, vomiting, constipation, sore throat and bleeding from gum and nose.
2. Prevention of dengue fever
Prevention of dengue fever basically involves preventing yourself from mosquito bites, which can be achieved by:
1. Sleeping under treated mosquito nets, as mosquitoes will not be able to penetrate the nets.
2. Avoiding stagnant water near the house. Stagnant water is the perfect breeding area for mosquitoes. Discarding any stagnant water in the house reduces the chances of the presence of mosquitoes, also kill any mosquito larva that found in the water.
3. Regularly spray insecticides inside and outside the house to kill all the mosquitoes around the house.
4. If you are planning to visit a place that is likely to have mosquitoes, apply mosquito repellent lotions to avoid any chances of mosquito bites.
5. If you live or work with a person having signs of dengue virus, make sure immediate treatment is given to the victim to avoid the transmission of virus from the mosquito that has bitten the victim.
6. If you live in areas that expose you to mosquito bites, you must wear clothes that fully cover your body.
3. Treatment of dengue virus
There is no specific treatment for the dengue virus, but there are many effective treatments that help to control symptoms related to the dengue virus. Some of these treatments include:
• Taking prescribed pain killers.
• Drinking fluids regularly.
• Proper medication for other symptoms that may arise. If symptoms persist, see a doctor immediately.
Image courtesy of: theculturetrip.com.
