Dengue Fever: A Mosquito-Borne Illness

Overview

Dengue fever is a viral infection that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Africa, and Latin America.

Symptoms

The symptoms of dengue fever typically appear within 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash
• Low platelet count

Treatment

There is no specific cure for dengue fever. Treatment is supportive and aims to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment may include:

• Rest
• Fluids
• Pain relievers
• Anti-nausea medications
• Hospitalization for severe cases

Prevention

The best way to prevent dengue fever is to avoid mosquito bites. This can be done by:

• Using insect repellent
• Wearing long sleeves and pants
• Staying in air-conditioned rooms
• Using mosquito nets
• Removing standing water around your home