dengue
Q&A
- What is dengue fever (DF)?
Dengue fever is an acute viral disease caused by any one of four closely related dengue viruses. The incubation period is 3–14 days, usually 4-7days. Symptoms include high fever, headache, eye pain (behind eyes), muscle and/or joint pain and rash. Generally, younger children have a milder illness than older children and adults. - What is severe dengue?
Severe dengue is a potentially deadly complication due to plasma leaking, fluid accumulation, respiratory distress, severe bleeding, or organ impairment. When developing into severe dengue, the critical phase takes place around 3–7 days after the first sign of illness, and proper medical care is needed to prevent complications and risk of death. - How is dengue fever transmitted?
Dengue is mainly transmitted to people by the bite of mosquito that is infected with the dengue virus. The mosquito becomes infected with dengue virus when it bites a person who has dengue virus in their blood. In Taiwan, the Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti mosquito is the most important vector of dengue viruses.There are evidences of the possibility of maternal transmission (from a pregnant mother to her baby)、blood or sexual transmission, while these transmission rates appear low. - What is the treatment for dengue?
There is no specific medication for treatment of a dengue infection. Persons who think they have dengue should use analgesics (pain relievers) with acetaminophen and avoid those containing aspirin. They should also rest, drink plenty of fluids, and consult a physician. - What can be done to reduce the risk of acquiring dengue?
The best preventive measure for residents living in areas infested with Aedes albopictus or Aedes aegypti is to eliminate the places where the mosquito lays eggs, primarily artificial containers that hold water.
(1) Clean and remove any water containers and vector breeding sources.
(2) Always place a tight lid on containers used for water storage.
(3) Weekly, wash out containers with a brush or sponge to remove mosquito eggs.
(4) Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and closed shoes to avoid mosquito bites.
(5) Use repellents containing DEET (N, N–diethyl–m–toluamide), Picaridin or IR3535 on your clothing and exposed skin.
(6) Use screens on doors and windows.