Dengue

Subject – Science and Tech

Context – 40 die of suspected dengue in Firozabad.

Concept –

Dengue is a vector-borne disease transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes Aegypti mosquito.
- This mosquito also transmits chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika infection.
- Aedesaegypti is a daytime feeder. The peak biting periods are early in the morning and in the evening before dusk.
There are 4 serotypes of the virus that causes dengue. These are known as DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, DEN-4.
The symptoms of the disease will begin anywhere between three to fourteen days after the initial infection.
The symptoms include:
- High fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Muscle and joint pains
- Skin Rash
Diagnosis of dengue infection is done with a blood test.
There is no vaccine or specific medication for dengue fever. Patients should seek medical advice, rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Dengue cannot be spread directly from person to person. However, a person infected and suffering from dengue fever can infect other mosquitoes.
Most cases occur in tropical areas of the world, including the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Southern China, Taiwan, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, Mexico, Africa, Central and South America.
WHO estimates 39 crore dengue virus infections per year, of which 9.6 crore show symptoms.