What is dengue and what are its symptoms?
Dengue is a viral disease caused by any of four closely-related viruses: dengue virus 1, 2, 3, and 4. Not everyone infected with dengue will become sick: only about one in four will experience symptoms that range from minimal discomfort to serious problems
aches and pains (often headache or pain behind the eye or in muscles, joints, or bones)
nausea and vomiting
a rash (faint red blotches).
Symptoms of severe dengue require immediate medical care. They include:
feeling very weak and lightheaded from low blood pressure
bleeding from the nose or gums
stomach swelling
vomiting
extreme fatigue.
How is dengue treated?
Dengue is cause by a virus, and no specific medications are available to combat it. Milder dengue symptoms typically last two to seven days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The symptoms are managed supportively: plenty of fluids, over-the-counter pain medications, and rest.
How does dengue spread?
The viruses that cause dengue do not directly spread from person to person. Aedes species mosquitoes can become infected with the dengue virus when they bite a person who has the virus. Infected mosquitoes then spread the virus to other people.
To prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in or near water around your home, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out outdoor items that hold water. This includes tires, buckets, toys, kid pools, birdbaths, flower pot saucers, or trash containers.
