DENGUE HEMORRHAGIC FEVER

July 13, 2017 4:51 am Published by Leave your thoughts

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a severe, potentially deadly infection spread by mosquitoes, mainly the species of Aedes aegypti.
This is a low flying and day biting mosquito.In the 1950’s, DHF was first documented during dengue epidemics in the Philippines and Thailand.
At present, DHF has become one of the leading cause of hospitalization and death among children and adults in most Asian and Latin American countries.

There are 4 types of Dengue virus (also called serotypes).
Once infected with one of the serotype, you develop immunity to that virus for the rest of your life. Therefore, you can be infected 4 times due to the 4 serotype of Dengue virus.
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever occurs when someone is bitten by a mosquito or exposed to blood infected with the Dengue virus.

 
PREVENTION

At present there is a vaccine available for DHF. You may ask your physician about the newly approved Dengue vaccine.

Other ways of prevention are:

  1. Disposing of solid waste properly and removing artificial man-made habitats.
  2. Covering, emptying and cleaning of domestic water storage container on a weekly basis.
  3. Applying appropriate insecticides to water storage outdoor container.
  4. Using of personal household protection such as windows, screens, long sleeves clothes, insecticide treated material coils and vaporizers.
  5. Improving community participation and mobilization for sustained vector control.

 

Remember that mosquitoes that bite the infected family member could spread the infection to others in your home so always practice these recommended preventive measures.

 
SOURCES:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs117/en
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001373.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=6627
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/dengue-fever-reference#2-5
https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/dengue-viruses-22400925
http://www.healthline.com/health/dengue-hemorrhagic-fever#risk-factors3

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