Immediately after the trip, I experienced some dizziness. Fortunately, it was a body ailment due to an unreasonable schedule, but in this case, it is necessary to suspect that the person was infected with dengue fever. Dengue Fever is a febrile infectious disease spread by mosquitoes and is one of the most common diseases worldwide. In this article, we will learn more about the symptoms and treatment of dengue fever.
Symptoms of dengue fever
Dengue fever can cause a variety of symptoms after infection, including
- Fever: One of the most common symptoms of dengue fever is a sudden rise in body temperature. Fever can often reach 104°F (40°C) or higher.
- Headache and muscle pain: Patients with dengue fever may also experience headache and muscle pain. This can cause generalized discomfort.
- Skin rash: Small red spots or rashes may appear on the body, especially on the extremities and chest.
- Feeling tired and lethargic: An infection may make you feel tired and lethargic.
- Vomiting and abdominal pain: Vomiting and abdominal pain may occur. This may cause abdominal discomfort.
- Thrombocytopenia: People with severe dengue fever may experience thrombocytopenia, which may increase the risk of bleeding.
Infection route of dengue fever
Dengue fever occurs in many regions, including Asia, Africa, and Central and South America, and is mainly spread by mosquitoes. The main infection routes through which dengue fever virus is spread are:
- Mosquito bites: The dengue fever virus is mainly spread by the Aedes mosquito species. These mosquitoes are mainly active during the day and can spread the dengue virus when they bite people. Infected mosquitoes spread the dengue fever virus to infected people through their bites.
- Human-to-human spread: Dengue fever can also spread between humans directly through the blood of an infected person. This usually occurs through blood transfusions or contact with secretions of an infected person. However, this route is less common than infection through mosquitoes.
- Swimming pools and bathhouses: Dengue fever virus can sometimes be spread through swimming pools and bathhouses by water containing blood or secretions containing the virus from an infected person. However, this route also occurs relatively rarely compared to transmission through mosquitoes.
- Horizontal transmission: Can be transmitted vertically from an infected mother to her newborn. This means that an infected mother can pass the dengue fever virus to her fetus during childbirth.
Dengue fever occurs primarily in warm climate areas, where mosquitoes are more active, so it is important to avoid mosquito bites. Travelers should take precautions when visiting major dengue fever areas and use mosquito nets, mosquito repellents, and mosquito nets to minimize mosquito bites. Vaccination against dengue fever is also something to consider before traveling.
The history of dengue fever
Dengue fever is one of the infectious diseases that has been occurring for a long time in history, and has been discovered in various regions over several centuries.
- Ancient History: Dengue fever may have existed since the beginning of recorded history, and is believed to have originated in parts of Asia, including China and India. Ancient Chinese medical texts contain records of diseases with symptoms similar to dengue fever.
- First descriptive record: The first descriptive record of dengue fever is known to have been published in 1779. This account covers outbreaks of dengue fever in China and the Philippines.
- 19th Century Discovery: Dengue fever was recognized as a serious disease in the 19th century. In 1828, the first large-scale outbreak of dengue fever was reported in Singapore. Since then, dengue fever has continued to occur mainly in Asia and Central and South America.
- Discovery of dengue virus: In the early 20th century, the dengue virus that causes dengue fever was isolated and identified. These discoveries made important contributions to dengue fever research and vaccine development.
- Global Spread: Dengue fever spread globally from the late 20th century to the early 21st century. Rapid urbanization, increased travel, and an increase in the mosquito population have all contributed to the spread of dengue fever.
- Response and Prevention: Dengue fever is still occurring in many regions, and continuous research and prevention efforts are underway. A vaccine has been developed to prevent dengue fever, and preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites have also been strengthened.
Dengue fever has historically caused major epidemics and caused many casualties. However, as a result of medical research and prevention efforts, great progress is being made in the control and prevention of dengue fever. Dengue fever is still one of the infectious diseases that requires caution, especially for travelers and people living in areas with a high incidence of dengue fever.
Treatment method for dengue fever
Because dengue fever is a viral infection, there are no special antiviral medications. However, proper treatment and management can relieve symptoms and prevent complications:
- Rest and fluid intake: Dengue fever patients should get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. To prevent severe dehydration, drink water, electrolyte replenishment drinks, and fruit juice.
- Appropriate medication: Patients with dengue fever can use antipyretics to relieve fever and pain. However, aspirin should be avoided.
- Hospital Treatment: Patients with severe dengue fever should be treated in a hospital. Caution is especially necessary if symptoms of thrombocytopenia occur.
- Prevent Mosquito Bites: It is important to avoid mosquito bites to prevent dengue fever. It is recommended to use mosquito repellants or mosquito nets, and to wear clothing that covers your body in areas with many mosquitoes.
- Vaccination: A vaccine to prevent dengue fever exists, so you should consider getting vaccinated before traveling if you are visiting a major dengue fever hotspot.
Understanding these symptoms and treatment methods helps prevent complications and aid recovery by detecting dengue fever early and managing it appropriately.
Leave a Reply