What Is Dengue Fever?

What is Dengue Fever?

Like most mosquito-borne illnesses, dengue fever symptoms are similar to having a common cold. The dengue virus spreads to people through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, most commonly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

Dengue fever is common in more than 100 countries around the world, with an estimated 100-400 million infections and approximately 20,000-25,000 deaths every year.

Where Can You Get Dengue Fever? 

Dengue outbreaks are occurring around the world: Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Western Pacific Islands. These warm climates allow the mosquito to be active both day and night, maximizing the number of people that get bitten and infected. Unfortunately, within two weeks of becoming bitten, the host may begin to show signs of infection.

Symptoms Include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Pain in the eyes, joints, and muscles

In severe cases, symptoms may include bleeding, shock, organ failure, or death.

Treatment For Dengue Fever

There is no specific medication to treat dengue. When the symptoms first arise, it is best visit your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Although uncommon, 1 in 20 people who get sick with dengue will develop severe dengue, which results in shock, internal bleeding, and sometimes death. If you have had dengue before, a subsequent infection may increase the risk of severe dengue.

How To Prevent Dengue Infection

If you're in a country with mosquito-borne illnesses, be mindful of your sleeping arrangements. If you’re in a country with known dengue transmission and high mosquito abundance, long-lasting insecticidal mosquito nets are a necessity to protect yourself while sleeping. Staying in a hotel with air conditioning will not only keep you cozy, but these accommodations will seal off mosquito entry points and create cool, dry conditions that are less suitable for mosquitoes. Spraying EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, and 2-undecanone to over exposed skin will protect you both day and night from mosquito bites.

For additional tips, check out 7 ways to keep pests away while sleeping away from home. For more information on dengue fever, visit the CDC website.

Although dengue fever is not as common in North America, Mosquito Squad can protect your yard from mosquitoes and the illnesses they carry. Contact your local Mosquito Squad today.