How Dengue Spreads

Dengue is a viral infection that is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Dengue fever is a severe, flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults. Dengue occurs in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas.

There are four types of dengue virus, each of which can cause a different form of the disease. Dengue fever is the most common form of dengue, and is typically characterised by a sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, and rash. Dengue haemorrhagic fever is a more severe form of the disease, and can lead to bleeding from the gums, nose and under the skin. Dengue shock syndrome is the most severe form of the disease, and can lead to death.

Dengue is primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are found in urban and peri-urban areas. These mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, and are most active during the day. Dengue is not transmitted directly from person to person.

There is no specific treatment for dengue, and the best way to prevent the disease is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. There is no vaccine available for dengue at present.

What are the symptoms of dengue?

Dengue fever is a viral infection that is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The symptoms of dengue fever can range from mild to severe and can include fever, rash, headaches, and pain in the muscles and joints. In severe cases, dengue fever can lead to hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal. There is no specific treatment for dengue fever and no vaccine to prevent it. The best way to prevent dengue fever is to avoid mosquito bites.

How does dengue spread?

Dengue is a viral infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes. It is a leading cause of death in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The virus that causes dengue is passed on to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

There are four different types of dengue viruses (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4). All four types are capable of causing severe disease.

Dengue is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. This mosquito is active during the day and prefers to bite humans. It can also bite animals, but is not known to transmit the virus to them.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito becomes infected with the dengue virus when it bites a person who is already infected with the virus. The virus then multiplies inside the mosquito and is passed on to other people when the mosquito bites them.

Dengue virus can also be spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants. In rare cases, it has been known to be spread through sexual contact.

There is no specific treatment for dengue. The best way to prevent the disease is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. This can be done by using mosquito nets and repellents, and by wearing long-sleeved clothing.

Vaccines are currently under development, but are not yet available for use.

How can you prevent dengue?

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In severe cases, it can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal. There is no specific treatment for dengue, so the best way to prevent it is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

There are four main ways to prevent dengue:

1. Reduce mosquito breeding sites

The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which spreads dengue, breeds in standing water. To reduce mosquito breeding sites, you can:

Empty, clean or cover containers that can hold water, such as buckets, barrels, vases, tires, pet bowls and toys.
Change the water in flower pots, vases and pet bowls at least once a week.
Keep swimming pools clean and chlorinated.
Cover or remove any containers in your yard or on your property that could collect rainwater.

2. Use mosquito repellent

When you are outdoors, use an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow the instructions on the label.

3. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants

When you are outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. This will help to protect your skin from mosquito bites.

4. Keep mosquitoes out of your home

To keep mosquitoes out of your home, you can: