World Health Organisation explains Dengue fever symptoms

By EUNICE MUSYOKA

Dengue is a mosquito borne infection found in the tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world.

This infection causes a flu-like illness which develops into severe dengue.

It is scientifically known as Dengue Hemorrhagic fever which was first recognized in the 1950s during Dengue epidemics in the Philippines and Thailand.

Dengues transmission has increased rapidly in Asian and Latin countries and has also caused death among children.

Not only is the number of cases increasing but the outbreak exists in Europe and countries like France.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the primary vector of the dengue which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female mosquitoes.

After virus incubation for 4-10 days, an infected mosquito is capable of transmitting the virus for the rest if its life.

Infected humans are the main carriers and multipliers of the virus, who serve as a source of the virus for uninfected mosquitoes.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito lives in the urban habitats and breeds mostly in man-made containers.
 

When someone is suffering from Dengue one should suspect a severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands or rush.

These symptoms usually last for 2-7 days, after an incubation period of 4-10 days after the bite from an infected mosquito.
Severe Dengue is however, complicated due to the fluid accumulation, plasma leaking, respiratory diseases, severe bleeding, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing bleeding in gums and also blood in vomit.

There is no prevention vaccine against dengue or severe dengue. upon the severe dengue one should seek medical assistance from a physician and a nurse.

In order for one not to be transmitted with Dengue or Severe Dengue, one should dispose all solid wastes properly and remove artificial man-made habitats; cover, empty and clean of the domestic water storage containers on a weekly basis and  should also apply appropriate insecticides to water storage outdoor containers.

The WHO supports countries in the confirmation of outbreaks through its collaboration network of laboratories, it provides technical support and guidance to countries which are affected by the outbreaks, it provides training on clinical management and also develops new tools, including insecticide products and application technologies.