Dengue fever is spread by the dengue viruses and transmitted by infected mosquitoes called Aedes Aegypti. This species is mostly found in the rainy season from May to September. The female mosquitoes, only active during daytime breed in areas with water such as jars, cans, bottles, flowerpots, etc.
Treatment
Vaccines against dengue fever are under development but currently there is no specific treatment.
- Bed rest is recommended
- Take some pain/fever medication
- Avoid Aspirin and Ibuprofen since they may cause bleeding
- Wipe the body with a wet towel to reduce fever
- Drink fruit juices and rehydration fluids preferable plain water
Symptoms
80 - 90 % of the infected patients do not show any symptoms. The other 10 - 20 % has symptoms as follows:
- Fever
- Sudden onset of high fever (>38.5 C 2 - 7 days)
- Redness of face and neck
- Body / muscle and neck pain
- Nausea / vomiting
- Stomachache
- Loss of appetite
- Rash
Severe symptoms
An immediate transfer to a doctor is needed when
- Worse condition after the fever decreased
- Irregular hemorrhage
- Severe vomiting / stomachache
- Constant thirsts
- Drowsiness, Dehydration
- Shock (cold hands / feet, agitation)
- Sweating, Rash, reduced urination
Shock
In serious cases patients experience a shock syndrome while the fever dramatically decreases. The symptoms are
- Cold hands and feet
- Agitation
- Low blood pressure
- Less urination
- Severe stomachache
- Bloody vomiting / black stool
**To avoid fatal danger patients should see a doctor within 24 hours.
Recovery
After receiving treatment patients will have an appetite; some patients may have a red rash with small white circles.
Early Detection: Bangkok Hospital Pattaya provides PCR test for Dengue viral infection the result within 24 hours.
Prevention
- Controlling the mosquito breeding areas
- Empty and clean every water container at least once a week
- To kill mosquito lavae put 1 gm. of Temephos sand ( Abate ) per 10litres of water in every container
- Remove, empty or cover used tyres or jars that collect water
- Put sand in Flowerpot saucers to absorb the water
- Use mosquito repellant on exposed skin and dress protectively especially during the daytime.
- Use bed-nets and keep unscreened windows and door closed.
- Avoid dark, stuffy, dingy rooms
