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Dengue fever is caused by a bite from an infected Aedes mosquito. This species of mosquito has black and white stripes on its legs and body. It bites during daylight hours. Its preferred breeding waters are clean, stagnant waters in shady areas.
Dengue fever ( DF ), dengue hemorrhagic fever ( DHF ) and Dengue Shock Syndrome ( DSS ) are caused by viruses DEN-1, DEN-2 and DEN-3. DHF is contracted when the victim is infected with a second or even third strain of virus after the initial infection of a strain of dengue virus. This is because being infected with one strain of dengue virus does not render you immune to the other strains ( or serotypes ).
If your housing area is dengue-prone, you may need four different dengue immunizations. The most common dengue is dengue fever.
You need to see your physician immediately if you show clinical signs of dengue. The symptoms include fever, bad headaches, muscle and joint pains, skin rashes and overall weakness in the body. DHF has further complications of cough, vomiting and stomach pains. DSS is detected with symptoms like cold, sweaty palms, nose or gum bleeds, excretion of blood, vomiting and stomach pains.
Dengue is a fatal disease and deserves immediate medical treatment. Intravenous fluids ( IV ) are used to treat the electrolyte imbalances and dehydration. Depending on the patient's condition, blood transfusion may be ordered by the doctor. Dengue needs hospitalization and intensive care. Recovery is possible. In contrast, untreated victims have only a 50 % chance of survival.
To cope with dengue, prevention of being bitten by a Aedes mosquito or any other infected mosquito is better than curing the disease. Guard against collection of stagnant water within the house. Flower vases, plant plates, receptacles, rainwater and gully traps within bathrooms invite breeding. For water receptacles, change the water daily.
Outside the house, watch out for holes, accumulation of leaves, exposed rubbish and stagnant gully traps. These are sources of stagnant water for mosquito breeding.
There are sprays and insecticides to kill mosquitoes and larvae. These are cheap preventive measures as compared to the high costs of hospitalization and danger to human lives.
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