Dengue Fever can be a killer! Find out how you can protect yourself from deadly diseases

Did you know that there is no vaccine for Dengue Fever? If you are planning to travel to a high risk area then you may want mosquito information for alternative prevention tactics.

Read all about the history and statistics of Dengue Fever right here. Let us guide you to great mosquito information, bug zappers, electric swatters, nets and magnet traps to repel pests.

Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever ("the fever") is another disease that has evolved out of the tropics, carried by a daytime, domestic type of mosquito called the Ae. aegypti.

The fever is defined as a hemorrhagic fever and can be fatal.

The fever is brought on by one of four strains:

• DEN-1
• DEN-2
• DEN-3
• DEN-4

Each strain is closely related to the Flavivirus family and each strain can separately infect one person, despite resistance to another strain.

Statistics

More than 2.5 billion people worldwide are at risk of infection from all four strains of the fever.

The World Heath Organization estimates that 50-100 million cases of the fever are reported every year, with growing epidemics in areas like Asia, Caribbean, South Pacific, the Americas and Africa.

The fever spreads quickly in tropical areas that have growing mosquito infestations.

The percentage of deaths that occur due to the fever are low, averaging around 5% of all reported cases.

History

The severity of fever outbreaks have increased over the past 200 years.

First emerging as a triple epidemic in Asia, Africa and North America, the fever was given little concern during the 18th century.

With 10-40 years between fever outbreaks, the growing cycle of the disease was ignored. The spread of Dengue carrying mosquitoes wasn’t considered a threat since international travel was limited.

After World War II, however, the fever began to appear in more and more countries. Southeast Asia was hit with an epidemic which soon spread to the Pacific region, and then to the Americas.

By 1975, the fever was the leading cause of death in Southeast Asia.

Traveling Risk

With a high rate of international travel in today’s world, we are all at risk of infection. The best weapon we have against mosquito hosted diseases, such as Dengue Fever, is education.

Before you begin your travels, check the region for epidemics. If you’re going to a high risk area, consult your doctor about preventative medications.

Minimize your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes by using strong repellent, netting, bug zappers and protective clothing.

Another good idea includes mosquito information like learning the habits of the mosquito. Although most mosquitoes feed at night, the Ae. aegypti mosquito will feed during the day.

Here are some more fast facts about the Ae. aegypti mosquito:

• Thrives near human habitats
• Breeds in water containers
• Enjoys shade & indoor areas

The host mosquito generally has two main feeding times, early morning and late afternoon.

Watch out for mosquitoes hiding in containers like barrels, flower vases, pots, cans, tarps or old tires.

Symptoms

Dengue is not a pleasant illness. The symptoms of the fever can be very painful and even fatal.

After you have been bitten by a virus carrying mosquito, chances are you won’t have any symptoms for 3-14 days. During this time the fever will incubate inside your body.

Here’s what to expect in the first stages of the fever:

• High fever
• Frontal headache
• Nausea & vomiting
• Joint & muscle pain

These are the most common and mildest of the fever symptoms. Many people go on to develop a rash over their entire body 3-5 days after the first fever.

In the worst case scenario, the fever can produce hemorrhages and lead to death. At this stage, the fever is classified as a hemorrhagic disease called DHF.

The ability for the fever to become DHF, depends on the health status of the patient. People with low or weak immune systems, like young children and the elderly, do not have the ability to sustain the fever.

Prevention

There are no guarantees of preventative treatment for Dengue Fever.

Presently, there hasn’t been a vaccine created for this particular virus. Preventing infection in high risk areas is really a matter of common sense.

Always remain in areas that are cool, like air-conditioned rooms. Protective screens, bug zappers, netting and insect repellent should be used at all times.

Check the travel section for more clues on preventing mosquito bites.

Treatment

Here are treatments to avoid if you suspect you’re infected with Dengue Fever:

• Aspirin
• Anti-inflammatory drugs

To manage the fever, acetaminophen is recommended, along with lots of fluids and rest. If the illness progresses, you may develop hypotension and will need IV treatment to control your blood pressure.

Although medical scientists are currently working on a vaccine for the fever, there are no vaccines currently available.

It is estimated that a vaccine may not be ready for another 5-10 years. For more mosquito information on other related diseases, browse through the rest of this site.

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Also see: [ Mosquito Netting ] [ Mosquito Control Plants ]