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Globally, there are an estimated 50 to 100 million DENGUE cases per year, and some 2.5 billion people could be at risk for dengue infection. Approximately 100 countries worldwide are infected with this virus.  Spread through the bite of certain species of mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti, but also Aedes albopictus .  The adult mosquitoes like to bite inside as well as around homes, during the day and at night when the lights are on. 

 

Mosquito bite doesn't show the symptoms instantly, it could appear in 3 - 14  days after the bite of infected mosquitoSome major symptoms are -

1) Sudden attack of fever

2) Severe Headache
3) Eye Pain
4) Muscle Pain
5) Joint Pain
6) Bleeding (e.g., nose or gum bleed, petechiae, or easy bruising)
7) Gastrointestinal symptoms like Vomiting and Diarrhea
8) Low white blood cell count 
9) Rashes

Dengue is often
wrongly diagnosed as  influenza and other viruses infectionsIn some cases dengue infection turns sever and  fever is accompanied by hemorrhage ( Excessive discharge of blood from the blood vessels; profuse bleeding) and if not diagnosed on time and taken care of, it could be fatal.  Generally, children and
and those with their first dengue infection have a milder illness than older children and adults.

Dengue is caused by
  four related dengue viruses (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, DEN-4) that are related to the viruses that cause West Nile infection and yellow fever.  If a person is already suffering from one type of the above viruses and then gets infected by other type (i.e. getting DENV-2 infection if you have already DENV-1) at the same time, is the primary cause of getting  hemorrhagic fever (fatal Dengue Fever With Bleeding).  The average lifespan of these mosquito is one week. 
Daytime mosquitoes are more likely to carry dengue fever, while nighttime mosquitoes carry malaria.   Watch your fever for 3 to 7 days after the symptoms began.  Rush to your closest heath care provider if these severe symptoms appear -

1) Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting
2) Red spots or patches on the skin
3) Bleeding from nose or gums
4) Vomiting blood
5) Black, tarry stools (feces, excrement)
6) Drowsiness or irritability 
7) Pale, cold, or clammy skin
8) Difficulty breathing 



There is currently no vaccine and treatment to treat dengue. Early diagnosis and
treatment of symptoms is the only way to prevent death from this fatal disease.  Persons who think they may have dengue should use analgesics (pain relievers) with acetaminophen and avoid those containing ibuprofen, Naproxen, aspirin or aspirin containing drugs.  If you have dengue symptoms than -
  • Rest
  • Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
  • Avoid mosquito bites
  • Consult a physician. 
Other major step you can take to save yourself from this fatal disease is by preventing yourself from mosquitoes bites, especially if someone is already ill in your house is ill with dengue and taking personal protective measures against mosquitoes.  Some easy ways to avoid mosquitoes are to use insect repellent and staying inside when mosquitoes are biting. Also -

DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying


COVER your skin with clothing and use  mosquito repellent when go out.


COVER doors and windows with screens 

Sleep under a mosquito bed net, eliminate mosquitoes you find indoors and wear repellent! 





Repellent Information -

1) Always read the label to know how to apply and precautions while applying.  Some repellent are not suitable for children.
 
2) Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are generally recommended.Other EPA-approved repellents contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.  These products are generally available at local pharmacies.  Look for active ingredients to be listed on the product label.

3) Apply insect repellent to exposed skin or onto clothing, but not under clothing.

4) If additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your clothing.  Again, always follow the manufacturer's directions. 

Some Facts -

1) Low energy mosquito found in southeast Asia bites in feet and legs under the table, especially while eating.  Spray mosquito repellent under your dining and office table to save yourself from these mosquitoes.

2) Mosquito likes bright color.  So opt for sober and earthy color when going for an outing.

3) Only female mosquito bites when they need to reproduce.  Male doesn't bites at all and survives on flower nectar.  Female too feed on flower when not reproducing.  So don't smell like flower in the high risk area. 

4) Turn off the light while going out.  Heat and light attracts mosquitoes.

5) Mosquito can smell the carbon-dioxide released by you from over 75 feet away.


Resources -
Florida Department Of Health - Dengue Fever
Florida Department Of Health - Mosquito-Borne Disease Prevention 
CDC - Symptoms and What To Do If You Think You Have Dengue
CDC - Prevention (How to reduce risk of dengue infection)
Picture Resources
www.biolib.cz
work.chron.com 
www.telegraph.co.uk 
paperpkads.com  

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