Dengue

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. The disease is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans primarily through the bites of infected female Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and, to a lesser extent, Aedes albopictus.

• Symptoms: Dengue fever symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. In severe cases, dengue can lead to a more critical condition known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which can be life-threatening.
• Prevention: There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue, so prevention is crucial. Prevention measures include avoiding mosquito bites through the use of insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and using bed nets. Additionally, eliminating mosquito breeding sites by reducing standing water around homes is essential.