Recent outbreaks of dengue fever in Brazil spurred public health officials to begin an immunization program aimed at youngsters aged 10 to 11.
Dengue fever is a potentially fatal viral infection spread through the bite of infected mosquitos.
“Four different subtypes of the virus can cause infections in humans,” says Dr. Stacey Rizza, a Mayo Clinic infectious disease expert. “Wherever you have a significant number of mosquitoes and warm hot environments is where you see dengue transmission.”
Dengue fever affects over half of the world’s population, primarily in hot and humid tropical and subtropical climes.
“That’s why you see it in parts of the world such as Southeast Asia, South America, the Caribbean, and even some parts of the southern U.S., around Florida and Louisiana.,” said Dr. Rizza.
Dengue fever is primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which bites both during the day and at night. Approximately one in every four people infected with the virus will suffer symptoms that range from moderate to severe.
Symptoms of Dengue fever
“They frequently have fevers, body pains, bone aches, and muscle aches; in some cases, they even report aching behind their eyes. “They can experience nausea, vomiting, and even diarrhea,” Dr. Rizza explains.
While most people recover within a week, severe cases might result in life-threatening situations.
Symptoms of severe dengue fever may include:
- Severe stomach pain.
- Repeated vomiting
- Bleeding from your mouth or nose.
- Blood in the urine, stool, or vomit.
- Bleeding under the skin, which may appear as bruises.
- Difficult or fast respiration.
- Fatigue.
- Irritation or restlessness.
Treatment
“If they become severely ill and aren’t able to keep up with their fluid status, they should go to their hospital and may require hospitalization to help support them,” Dr. Rizza said.
Prevention
Preventing mosquito bites is critical for avoiding dengue illness. Here are a few strategies:
- To prevent mosquito bites, use a bug spray containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus.
- Eliminate any stagnant water where mosquitos can lay eggs.
- Remove any items that contain water, such as vases and flowerpot saucers.
- Keep mosquitoes out by keeping window screens intact and doors closed.
Reference Article- Dengue fever: A Mayo Clinic expert explains the mosquito-borne infection
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