INTRODUCTION
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease caused by dengue
virus, prevalent in a tropical and subtropical areas. Most cases of
dengue fever are either asymptomatic or manifest mild
symptoms. Symptoms typically begin 3 to 14 days after infection.
They may include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and
joint pain, and a characteristic skin itching and skin rash.
Recovery generally takes two to seven days. In a small
proportion of cases, the disease develops into severe dengue
(previously known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock
syndrome) with bleeding, low levels of blood platelets, blood
plasma leakage, and dangerously low blood pressure.
Dengue virus has four confirmed serotypes; infection with one
type usually gives lifelong immunity to that type, but only short-
term immunity to the others. Subsequent infection with a
different type increases the risk of severe complications, so-
called Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE). The symptoms
of dengue resemble many other diseases including malaria,
influenza, and Zika.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Common dengue symptoms include a sudden high fever, severe
headache (especially behind the eyes), muscle and joint pain,
rash, nausea, and vomiting. Severe symptoms that require
immediate medical attention include severe abdominal pain,
persistent vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, difficulty
breathing, and restlessness or fatigue.
• High fever: A sudden high fever, sometimes reaching 102.4
F to 105.8 F
• Headache: A severe headache, particularly behind the eyes.
• Pain: Intense pain in muscles and joints, often described as
"breakbone" fever.
• Rashes: A measles-like rash may appear a few days after
the fever starts.
• Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach and
throwing up.
• Other signs: Fatigue, swollen glands, and a loss of appetite
are also common.
Severe symptoms (seek immediate medical
attention) :-
• Severe abdominal pain or tenderness: Pain in the stomach
area.
• Persistent vomiting: Repeatedly throwing up.
• Bleeding: Bleeding from the gums or nose, or blood in
vomit or stool.
• Restlessness or lethargy: Feeling agitated, confused, or
unusually sleepy.
• Difficulty breathing: Having trouble breathing.
• Rapid, weak pulse: Your pulse may become very weak and
fast.
CAUSES:-
The main cause of dengue fever is the bite of an infected Aedes
mosquito, specifically the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus
species. The virus is transmitted to humans when an infected
mosquito bites a person and passes the virus into their
bloodstream. It is not spread from person to person.
• Mosquito bite: A bite from an Aedes mosquito that has
previously bitten an infected person is the sole method of
transmission.
Aedes aegypti(Aedes mosquito)
• Infection cycle: The virus multiplies in the mosquito after it
bites an infected person. When this mosquito then bites
another person, it transmits the virus to them.
• Mosquitoes' habitat: These mosquitoes breed in stagnant
water and are often found in clean, still water collections,
including in and around homes.
MECHANISM:-
The mechanism of dengue involves an infected mosquito bite,
introducing the virus into the bloodstream where it infects
immune cells. The virus then replicates and spreads throughout
the body, triggering an immune response that can lead to
symptoms like fever and joint pain. In severe cases, this response
causes a dangerous increase in blood vessel permeability,
leading to fluid leakage, organ damage, and internal bleeding.
• It is explained below with the help of flow chart :-
The virus enters the body through a bite from an infected Aedes
aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito.
The virus first infects immune cells in the skin, such as
Langerhans cells.
These cells migrate to lymph nodes, where the virus replicates
within white blood cells. The viral RNA uses the host cell's
machinery to create new virus particles.
Newly formed viruses can enter the bloodstream, spreading to
other organs and causing systemic infection.
TREATMENT:-
There is no specific cure for dengue, so treatment focuses
on supportive care to manage symptoms. For mild cases, this
includes resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking
acetaminophen for fever and pain, while avoiding aspirin or
ibuprofen due to the risk of bleeding. Severe dengue requires
hospitalization for intravenous (IV) fluids, electrolyte
replacement, and other necessary medical interventions like
blood transfusions.
For mild dengue
• Rest: Get plenty of rest to help your body recover.
• Hydration: Drink lots of fluids like water, oral rehydration
solutions, or electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration.
• Fever and pain relief: Use acetaminophen (paracetamol) to
manage fever and pain. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, as
they can increase bleeding risk.
NOTE- Severe cases require hospitalization for monitoring and
medical care and in some severe cases, a blood transfusion may
be necessary.
PRECAUTIONS:-
To prevent dengue, protect yourself from mosquito bites by
using repellents, wearing long clothing, and sleeping under nets.
Eliminate mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water
around your home and keeping your surroundings clean. Be
cautious during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most
active and take extra precautions when traveling.
❖ Personal protection
• Wear protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and
long pants, especially during the day when Aedes
mosquitoes are most active.
• Use mosquito repellent: Apply repellents containing DEET,
Picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin. Reapply as directed on
the product label.
• Use mosquito nets: Sleep under mosquito nets, especially if
sleeping during the day or if you are not in an air-
conditioned room.
❖ Environmental control
• Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing
water, so regularly empty or cover items that can collect
water, such as flower pots, buckets, and pet water bowls.
• Secure your home: Install and maintain screens on
windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering
your home.
• Use insecticides: Use insecticides or larvicides in areas
where mosquitoes breed, if appropriate.
REFERENCEN and BIBLIOGRAPHY
• NCERT BOOK
• CHATGPT
• WIKIPEDIA
• [Link]
• WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO)
• MEDICAL REPORT