World - Dengue: Fight the bite

Dengue, also known as “break-bone fever”, is the most prevalent mosquito-transmitted viral disease in terms of morbidity and mortality. 

According to World Health Organisation estimates, every year over 100 million infections occur in over 100 endemic countries, putting almost half of the world’s population at risk. The virus is contracted from the bite of a striped Aedes mosquito that has previously bitten an infected person; an infected mosquito is capable of transmitting the virus for the rest of its life. Infected humans are the main carriers and multipliers of the disease, serving as a source of the virus for uninfected mosquitoes.

The clinical features of dengue fever vary according to the age of a patient; young children often display milder symptoms than older children and adults. Most of its early symptoms, which usually begin four to six days after infection and last for up to 10 days, are similar to those of flu and include:

• severe headaches
• abrupt onset of high fever
• bone/joint pains
• muscular pains
• pain behind the eyes
• cough and runny nose
• nausea and vomiting
• skin rash, which appears over most of the body two to five days after the fever starts
• mild bleeding such as a nose bleed, bleeding gums or easy bruising.

Although dengue fever is not life-threatening, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) — a severe complication of the disease, characterised by enlargement of the liver, damage to lymph and blood vessels and failure of the circulatory system — can be fatal if not properly managed.

Diagnosing dengue fever can be difficult as its symptoms overlap with those of many other viral diseases, such as malaria, leptospirosis and typhoid fever.

The following lab tests are conducted to detect the condition:

CBC — complete blood count
antibody titer for dengue virus types
serology studies to trace antibodies to dengue viruses.

Dengue fever is mostly self-limiting. Symptomatic treatment is given to provide relief from fever and pain. Patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever should be treated promptly with supportive management. The mainstay of the treatment is to maintain the circulating fluid volume.

At present, the only method of controlling or preventing the virus transmission is to combat the vector mosquitoes. To reduce the number of potential habitats for mosquitoes, get rid of stagnant water in places where the insects can breed and implement proper solid waste disposal. Cover all water containers, wells and water storage tanks and keep all drains free from blockage especially during the rainy season.

Once a month, pour granular insecticide in containers and gully traps, even if they are dry — the insecticide will dissolve in the water and kill the mosquito eggs and larvae. Change water in vases every day and remove water from plant pots plates every other day; pet and animal watering containers should be emptied and scoured at least once a week. Turn pails and watering cans over and store them under shelter.

Individual protective measures can greatly reduce the risk of being bitten. Mosquito repellents containing diethyl phthalate, diethyl carbate, N, N-Diethyl-3-Methylbenzamide (DEET), and ethyl hexanediol are most effective. Choose the concentration based on the hours of protection you need:

a 10 per cent concentration of DEET is effective for about two hours; higher concentrations last longer. Sleep under mosquito netting or in a room which has mosquito screens on the windows.

When going out, opt for light coloured clothing that covers most of the body, keeping as much skin and hair covered as practical. Insects are attracted by various odours hence avoid using lotions and perfumes containing heavy fragrances.

And finally, as Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, be sure to take extra precautions during early morning hours, before daybreak and in the late afternoon before dark.

Common dengue fever myths & facts

Dengue is contagious
False. Dengue has no person to person transmission; it can only spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes.

Dengue fever is more common in rural areas
False. Dengue is as common in urban areas as it is prevalent in rural areas.

Fever is not something to be worried about
On the contrary, high temperature is the most common symptom followed by bleeding and rashes over the body, so fever should not be disregarded

Dengue occurs only during the rainy season
Partially true. While it may be more prevalent when the rains come, dengue occurs all year round. The white-striped aedes aegypti mosquito can lay eggs that can stay dormant for up to nine months especially during the dry season.

Dengue is the same as malaria
False. They are separate infections, with separate symptoms and cures, and are caused by different infected mosquitoes. Dengue is transmitted mainly by the Asian Tiger Mosquitoes — aedes aegyptii and aedes albopictus, which are active during daylight hours. The anopheles mosquito which carries the malaria parasite, on the other hand, bites from dusk until late at night.

Once you get dengue fever, you can get it again
True. There are four major types of dengue viruses. Recovery from infection by one provides lifelong immunity against that serotype but confers only partial and transient protection against subsequent infection by the other three.

Business & Investment Opportunities
YourVietnamExpert is a division of Saigon Business Corporation Pte Ltd, Incorporated in Singapore since 1994. As Your Business Companion, we propose a range of services in Consulting, Investment and Management, focusing three main economic sectors: International PR; Healthcare & Wellness;and Tourism & Hospitality. We also propose Higher Education, as a bridge between educational structures and industries, by supporting international programs. Sign up with twitter to get news updates with @SaigonBusinessC. Thanks.