Dengue Fever: What you should know

Dengue (break-bone fever) is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates.Most people who get dengue will not have symptoms. But for those who do, the most common symptoms are high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash.Most of those infected will get better in one to two weeks, however, some people develop severe dengue and need care in a hospital.In severe cases, dengue can be fatal.Individuals can lower their risk of dengue by avoiding mosquito bites especially during the day.Dengue is treated with pain medicine as there is no specific treatment currently.SymptomsMost people with dengue have mild or no symptoms and will get better in one to two weeks. Rarely, dengue can be severe and lead to death.If symptoms occur, they usually begin four to ten days after infection and last for two to seven days. Symptoms may include:high fever (40°C/104°F)severe headachepain behind the eyesmuscle and joint painsnauseav omitingswollen glandsrash.Individuals who are infected for the second time are at greater risk of severe dengue.Severe dengue symptoms often come after the fever has gone away:severe abdominal painpersistent vomitingrapid breathingbleeding gums or nosefatiguerestlessnessblood in vomit or stoolbeing very thirstypale and cold skinfeeling weak.People with these severe symptoms should get care right away.After recovery, people who have had dengue may feel tired for several weeks.Prevention and controlThe mosquitoes that spread dengue are active during the day. Lower the risk of getting dengue by protecting yourself from mosquito bites by using:clothes that cover as much of your body as possible;mosquito nets if sleeping during the day, ideally nets sprayed with insect repellent;window screens;mosquito repellents (containing DEET, Picaridin or IR3535); andcoils and vaporizers.Mosquito breeding can be prevented by:preventing mosquitoes from accessing egg-laying habi tats by environmental management and modification;disposing of solid waste properly and removing artificial man-made habitats that can hold water;covering, emptying and cleaning domestic water storage containers on a weekly basis;applying appropriate insecticides to outdoor water storage containers.If you get dengue, it's important to:rest;drink plenty of liquids;use acetaminophen (paracetamol) for pain;avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen and aspirin; andwatch for severe symptoms and contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any.Source: Ghana News Agency