1. What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a self-limiting viral infection caused by the dengue fever virus, transmitted by the bite of the Aedes Eygpti mosquito. It is the most common arboviral infection in the world and is endemic to the tropical regions in the Earth (e.g. the Middle East, South and Central America, Australia and the Caribbean). Dengue fever, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever and Dengue Shock Syndrome represent worsening clinical expressions of this potentially fatal but preventable disease.

2. How do know if I have Dengue Fever?

Essential to the diagnosis is fever, usually of abrupt upset, high (103-105F/39-41.5 C) and can last for 2-7 days, severe frontal headache (with severe pain behind the eyes) and a measles-like skin rash over the upper limbs and chest that may be itchy and peels. (Dengue triad) Other symptoms include fatigue, muscle and joint pains, loss of appetite or taste, nausea, vomiting and bleeding episodes. Many times the infection can be asymptomatic or mild (especially in children).

3. What is the treatment for Dengue Fever?

Since dengue fever is a viral condition, antibiotics are not used. Instead, the mainstay of treatment consists of plenty of oral fluids (e.g. water, coconut water, oral rehydration salts like Pedialyte), acetaminophen/paracetamol (e.g. brand names Panadol, Tylenol, Cetamol) and lots of rest. If vomiting, giving small amounts of fluid given often (e.g. every 15-20 minutes) could be attempted. It can take 2 weeks to resolve and several weeks to return to full strength. Do not use ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin, Advil, Ibuprofen), or aspirin if dengue fever is suspected.

4. When should I go see the doctor?

One should see the doctor immediately if there is bleeding episodes (e.g. from the gums, nose or under the skin), intractable vomiting, signs of dehydration (e.g. sunken eyes, extreme thirst and weakness, pale, cool extremities) or severe abdominal pain (particularly in children). If one has any significant underlying chronic condition that can affect the immune system (e.g. Sickle Cell Disease, Diabetes (especially if uncontrolled), H.I.V. disease etc), should consult with their doctor.

The Dengue Hotline has been established to assist with any questions - 359 2929

5. What can I do to minimize the risk of this happening to me and my family?

There are no approved vaccines for the dengue virus. Dengue fever is a preventable condition.

There are 2 parts to this: Preventing Bites & Control/Eradication of the Aedes aegypti Mosquito.

Part 1 – Preventing mosquito bites

To prevent mosquito bites, wear long pants and long sleeves. For personal protection, use mosquito repellant sprays that contain DEET when visiting places where dengue is endemic. Limiting exposure to mosquitoes by avoiding standing water and staying indoors two hours after sunrise and before sunset will help. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is a daytime biter with peak periods of biting around sunrise and sunset. It may bite at any time of the day and is often hidden inside homes or other dwellings, especially in urban areas.

Part 2 – Control & Eradication of the Mosquitoes

The government can play their part by fogging but fogging is limited in its effect since it only kills the exposed adult mosquito. We must also eliminate the breeding sites of the mosquito- killing them at the egg or larval stage. This is where you & I come into play. How do we do this you might ask? See the below tips for reducing/eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

Everyone should walk around their homes and work places, inspecting the environment for standing water. Damp or wet environments are havens for these carriers of disease and potentially death.

• Turn over &/ or discard ANY containers that could hold water

• Ensure properties are maintained regularly to reduce thick/tall grass & shrubbery

• Ensure all garbage is disposed of in “COVERED” garbage bins.

• Remove any derelict vehicles from your property.

• Do not store old or new tires outside or unused plant pots where water can collect.

• Fix any damaged screens & keep doors closed as much as possible.

• Ensure any unused swimming pools or spas are emptied & covered. If no cover is available treat any water that collects quickly & frequently with chemicals like chlorine/bleach.

If you want to read more you can check out the below websites or call the Bahamas Dengue Fever Hotline at 359-2929.

http://www.medicinenet.com/dengue_fever/article.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dengue_fever http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/denguefever/understanding/pages/prevention.aspx

WE ALL HAVE A PART TO PLAY TO STAMP OUT THIS SCOURGE FROM OUR COMMUNITY/ COUNTRY…..

LET’S DO OUR PART!!!