Image: Canva
Dengue is the most common viral infection in humans in the world that is transmitted by an arthropod which results in a febrile illness
Image: Canva
Humans are the main host for the dengue virus and are infective during the first three days of the illness. This is known as the viremic stage
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Mosquitoes become infective and stay so for the remainder of their life about two weeks after feeding on an infected person
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The mosquito responsible for the transmission of the dengue virus is known as Aedes aegypti and it is known to breed in stagnant water
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Dengue may be non-severe with or without warning signs, or it may be severe. If adequate attention is not paid, non-severe may turn into severe dengue
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Non-severe dengue may be suspected in individuals who have travelled to an endemic area or who present with nausea, vomiting or rashes
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Warning signs like abdominal pain, tenderness, vomiting that persists, lethargy or restlessness and enlargement of the liver should not be ignored
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In case of severe dengue, excessive plasma leakage can lead to shock, respiratory distress, severe bleeding and changes in the levels of the liver enzymes
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Laboratory tests like a complete blood count, liver function tests, blood glucose, serum electrolytes and renal function tests must be done
Image: Canva
Preventive measures should be taken – avoid stagnation of water in or around your place, like prevent collection of water in containers and clean water-based air coolers regularly