How to Prevent Dengue Fever? Key Tips for Staying Safe

Published on: 3rd December 2024
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Ahmad Haitham Jamee

Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. The disease is widespread in urban and semi-urban areas of tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. An infected person may show dengue fever symptoms, but many are asymptomatic, while a few develop into severe cases, especially if reinfection occurs. Early detection and timely medical assistance can reduce the severity of the condition and provide relief.

Let’s explore dengue fever causes, transmission, symptoms, warning signs, diagnosis methods, prevention tips, and treatment options.

Understanding Dengue Fever Causes

Here are the causes of dengue fever along with details about the virus and mosquito responsible:

The Aedes aegypti is a dengue mosquito from the Flaviviridae family. It carries the DENV virus and is responsible for the infection.
There are four strains of the DENV virus, and an infection from any of these may cause dengue symptoms in humans.
When a mosquito bites a human, the virus enters the bloodstream, leading to health issues. The infection causes damage to the blood vessels and forms blood clots.
Also, blood leaks from the blood vessels, causing further complications, dengue shock syndrome, dengue hemorrhagic fever, and organ failures.

Transmission Through Mosquito Bites and Others

Here is how dengue transmission occurs through mosquito bites and other ways:

The bite from a female Aedes aegypti mosquito transmits the virus to humans. The virus in the mosquito body spreads to salivary glands and other tissues. It takes 8 to 12 days for an extrinsic incubation period wherein the virus becomes transmissible.
When a mosquito bites an infected person, the virus enters the mosquito’s bloodstream. The virus can infect the mosquito up to 2 days before the human has dengue symptoms and a couple of days after the dengue fever disappears.
An infected mother can pass the virus to her baby. Though rare, dengue fever in mothers can lead to problems in the baby, such as low birth weight, pre-term birth, and fetal distress.
It is possible for dengue fever to pass to humans during transfusions, organ donations, etc. Infected mosquitoes can also pass the virus via a transovarial method to their offspring.

Knowing the Dengue Symptoms and Severity Signs

Here are some of the dengue symptoms to watch for, and recognize the early signs of this infection:

The dengue fever symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some people can display no symptoms at all. Most people feel better in 1 to 2 weeks. But in some cases, the condition can prove to be fatal.
After infection from a dengue mosquito, it can take 4 to 10 days for a human to exhibit symptoms, which last for 2 to 7 days.
Some dengue symptoms are severe headache, rash, nausea, high fever (40°C/104°F), joint pain, muscle pain, swollen glands, vomiting, and pain behind the eyes.
Those infected with the virus for the second time may develop severe dengue, even after the fever subsides, leading to complications such as rapid breathing, severe abdominal pain, nosebleeds, and continuous vomiting.
Severe dengue fever symptoms may also include fatigue, bleeding from gums, pale and cold skin, blood in stool and vomit, weakness, and dehydration.
If a person shows serious dengue symptoms, it is best to seek immediate medical attention. Even after recovery, the individual may feel weak for several weeks.

Did you know?

Dengue fever is often spread by daytime-active mosquitoes, so even indoor spaces can be at risk if mosquitoes are present. Ensuring your home is protected with screens and eliminating standing water can significantly reduce your risk during outbreaks.

Types of Dengue Test and Diagnostic Methods

Detecting the antibodies to dengue fever in the blood is the primary method to detect the infection. However, a combination of imaging tests and blood tests can provide better accuracy. Here is what you must know about dengue test options:

Complete Blood Count (CBC): This type of dengue test checks the reduced levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet count.
Dengue Virus Antigen Detection (NS1): This test helps to diagnose dengue fever early within 1 to 2 days of infection.
Dengue Serology Test (Dengue IgG & IgM): This diagnostic method detects antibodies to the virus formed from the immune response. This dengue test is more effective when done at least 4 days after exposure.
Dengue Test for Severe Symptoms: Your healthcare provider may recommend tests to check the spread of infection to other organs. You can consider a doctor on call to run tests such as RFT, LFT, fibrinogen test, chest X-ray, ECG, D-dimer, test to track FDP levels, USG, 2D Echo, and more.

Dengue Fever Treatment to Watch For

Here are the dengue fever treatment options to know:

Dengue fever does not have any specific treatment. However, the doctor can prescribe pain medicines, mosquito bite treatment, and fluid replacement to tackle dehydration.
Do not use any medicine without consent from the doctor. However, you may take paracetamol, which is good for controlling pain.
As the infection spreads from mosquitoes biting an infected human, adopt mosquito protection techniques so that other people you live with do not get infected.
You must avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications as these increase the possibility of bleeding.
You may take the dengue vaccine if you have the infection for a second time. If you have severe dengue symptoms, then hospitalization could be necessary.

Dengue Fever Prevention Tips and Strategies

Here are some of the dengue fever prevention tips and mosquito protection strategies:

Wear protective clothing such as long pants and sleeves, socks, or layers of clothes (if in a cold area). Light-colored clothing can repel dengue mosquitoes as well.
Apply mosquito repellent with lemon eucalyptus oil, picaridin, or DEET on skin or clothing.
Spot the possible breeding sites at home and in surroundings and clean those off. Remove stagnant water. Install screens and nets on doors and windows to keep out dengue mosquitoes and other pests.
Dispose of garbage properly. Reduce dengue mosquito breeding spots by trimming shrubs and bushes.
During a dengue fever outbreak, limit outdoor ventures in the early morning and afternoons as the mosquitoes remain most active at these hours.
Stay informed about the latest mosquito protection techniques and if concerned about the infection or showing dengue fever symptoms, contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Doctor on Call by First Response Healthcare

Learn essential tips for preventing dengue fever and staying safe during outbreaks. If you need medical advice or support, First Response Healthcare’s doctor on call service provides convenient access to healthcare professionals who can assist you with dengue fever concerns and other health issues from the comfort of your home.

Conclusion

According to Dubai Health Authority, some dengue fever cases in 2023 in the UAE occurred without a travel history. Thus, the risk of local transmission from Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes increased due to favorable environment and climate changes. The authorities are implementing control and prevention methods to counter this viral infection. Follow the dengue fever prevention techniques and stay safe and healthy. If you exhibit the symptoms, then seek medical help at the earliest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What are the most common dengue fever symptoms?

The common dengue symptoms are high fever, swollen lymph nodes, pain behind the eyes, rash, nausea, muscle and joint pain, vomiting, severe headache, tiredness, etc.

Q. How can I protect my home from dengue mosquitoes?

To keep dengue mosquitoes away, prevent standing water in the surroundings, cover water sources, use larvicidal sprays if you spot breeding, maintain rooftops and sunshades in optimum condition, etc.

Q. What should I do if I suspect I have dengue fever?

If you suspect dengue fever, get tested for the infection at the earliest. Also, ensure your home surroundings are clean and protected from mosquito breeding.

References and Citations:

Dubai Health Authority – Surveillance of Dengue fever cases in Dubai Tonsillitis

Preventing Dengue Fever: Essential Tips for Staying Safe During Outbreaks

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