DENGUE

Symptoms, which usually begin four to six days after infection and last for up to 10 days, may include

• Sudden, high fever

• Severe headaches

• Pain behind the eyes

• Severe joint and muscle pain

• Fatigue

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Skin rash, which appears two to five days after the onset of fever

• Mild bleeding (such a nose bleed, bleeding gums, or easy bruising)

• No treatment: No specific antiviral agents exist for dengue.

• Supportive care is advised: Patients should be advised to stay well hydrated and to avoid aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), aspirin-containing drugs, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) because of their anticoagulant properties.

• Fever should be controlled with acetaminophen and tepid sponge baths.

• Febrile patients should avoid mosquito bites to reduce risk of further transmission.

Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bites of infected Aedes species mosquitoes (Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus).  These are the same types of mosquitoes that spread Zika and chikungunya viruses.

• These mosquitoes typically lay eggs near standing water in containers that hold water, like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower pots, and vases.

• These mosquitoes prefer to bite people, and live both indoors and outdoors near people.

• Mosquitoes that spread dengue, chikungunya, and Zika bite during the day and night.

• Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites.

To protect yourself:

• Use mosquito repellents, even indoors.

• When outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks.

• When indoors, use air conditioning if available.

• Make sure window and door screens are secure and free of holes. If sleeping areas are not screened or air conditioned, use mosquito nets.

• If you have symptoms of dengue, speak to your doctor.