DENGUE FEVER
-Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease that occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of the world.
-Mild dengue fever causes a high fever, rash, and muscle and joint pain.
-A severe form of dengue fever, also called dengue hemorrhagic fever, can cause severe bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure and death.
-Millions of cases of dengue infection occur worldwide each year.
Symptoms:
Dengue fever causes a high fever — 104 F degrees —
• Muscle, bone and joint pain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain behind the eyes
• Swollen glands
• Rash
• Severe abdominal pain
• Bleeding from gums or nose
• Blood in urine, stools or vomit
• Bleeding under the skin, bruising
• Difficult or rapid breathing
• Cold skin
• Fatigue
• Irritability or restlessness
Causes:
Dengue fever is caused by any one of four types of dengue viruses spread by mosquitoes that thrive in and near human lodgings. When a mosquito bites a person infected with a dengue virus, the virus enters the mosquito. When the infected mosquito then bites another person, the virus enters that person's bloodstream.
*If you are living or traveling in tropical areas where dengue fever is common, these tips may help reduce your risk of mosquito bites:
•Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened housing. The mosquitoes that carry the dengue viruses are most active from dawn to dusk, but they can also bite at night.
•Wear protective clothing. When you go into mosquito-infested areas, wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and shoes.
•Use mosquito repellent
•Reduce mosquito habitat. The mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus typically live in and around houses, breeding in standing water that can collect in such things as used automobile tires. You can help lower mosquito populations by eliminating habitats where they lay their eggs. At least once a week, empty and clean containers that hold standing water, such as planting containers, animal dishes and flower vases. Keep standing water containers covered between cleanings.
