Our common household mosquito - that is why it is so dangerous to get bitten by any mosquito. Dengue fever is different from our West Nile Virus of which our mosquito is the vector in that your second case of dengue fever can be deadly. It appears that the resistance your body develops to the first attack actually works with the virus on the second attack. That is why they are saying it is going to be 5 years or more before a treatment can be developed.

12,500 die each year, according to the World Health Organization.

Dengue Fever can be fatal if it is not caught early and treated. It is a virus that is common in certain areas of the world. The conclusion for Dengue Fever is that it is a global problem and highly contagious.

Dengue is primarily transmitted by the bite of a certain type of mosquito (see related link.) Dengue may also be transmitted via infected blood products and through organ donation. Transmission from mother to child during pregnancy or at birth may also occur.

Dengue fever, also known as breakbone fever, is an infectious tropical disease caused by the dengue virus carried by mosquitoes.. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash.

You never really recover from dengue fever. It tends to recur. Alcohol and smoking would not be a good idea, but if you must, then in moderation, please.

When the platelet count falls to less than 100,000mm3

Once a person has been bitten by an infected mosquito, it usually takes about a week before the symptoms of Dengue fever begin to appear. Chills, headache and extreme pain, especially in the lower back, can develop within hours. The temperature rises at a rapid rate and accompanied by a low heart rate, the patient is often rushed to the emergency room. The eyes become red and a pink rash appears on the rash.

The effects of dengue fever usually dissipate after two days when the temperature drops just as suddenly as it rose. The patient starts to feel well, but the disease will reappear after another day or so. In this second onslaught, the rash spreads over the entire body. The palms of the hands and the soles of the feet can become swollen, red and very sore. This will last for about a week.

There is no treatment specifically for dengue fever. The patient is treated with pain medication to make him/her more comfortable. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and to get lots of rest.

Dengue fever in children can be more dangerous. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever is a condition that causes severe abdominal pain, haemorrhaging and the collapse of the circulatory system. It starts in the same way as regular dengue fever - with a headache and fever, but it also has the symptoms of a flu, with a cough and sore throat, along with abdominal pain. Shock can occur within two to six days of the onset of this illness. Bruising is evident on the skin if bleeding occurs and the patient may be spitting up blood. The mortality rate from this condition is high and hospitalization is essential. In some cases blood transfusions are needed.

Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, and a skin rash. In a small proportion of cases the disease develops into the life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic

fever, resulting in bleeding, low levels of blood platelets or into dengue shock syndrome, where dangerously low blood pressure occurs.

muscle pain, hair loss is the most comman after effect of dengue fever.

I just recovered from a serious case of Dengue fever. I don't think Dengue Fever affects any particular organ as such. There was a tremendous decrease of Platelet count in my blood. A little tiredness, headache and body ache that's it.

Here are the symptoms of Dengue fever -

-High fever

-Headache

-Pain Behind Eyes

-Fatigue

-Vomiting

-Skin rash

These are the common symptoms of dengue fever.

The fever is caused by mosquito bites. Mosquito acts as a carrier of the Dengue Virus. The virus's main effect is on the PLATELET production. Normally a platelet in our body lasts for about 5 to 10 days and the body replenishes them when required. This virus DESTROYS THE BODY's CAPACITY TO PRODUCE NEW PLATELETs (during the period it is effective). The PLATELET count for a normal person varies from 150,000 - 250,000 per μl (micro litre = mm3 or cubic millimetres) of blood. On getting infected a patient's PLATELET COUNT STARTS FALLING. A PLATELET count BELOW 100,000 per μl (mm3) is ALARMING - immediate medical attention is required. A PLATELET count BELOW 50,000 can be FATAL.

Note: A fall in platelet count PREVENTS FORMATION OF CLOTS - and this leads to HAEMORRHAGE - which results in both INTERNAL & EXTERNAL BLEEDING - once bleeding starts the situation is almost IRRECOVERABLE.

To identify the disease Dengue blood tests are done. During these tests, the platelet count of the blood is checked. If the patient have Dengue, the platelet can be very low than the normal level.

Control of dengue fever currently relies on control of the mosquito vectors through mosquito nets, parasiticide sprays and removal of standing water from areas around human settlements.

There are many researchers around the world working on treatments and vaccines for dengue fever, although nothing has yet been found effective enough to be implemented on a large scale.

If you catch yellow fever, you get a sudden fever and headache. If the yellow fever turns into a bad case, you then become extremely tired and get bleeding into the skin, slow heartbeat, back pains, and vomiting. About half the people who get bad cases die.

Typically, people infected with dengue virus are asymptomatic (80%) or only have mild symptoms such as an uncomplicated fever. Other go to a complicated stage with a rash and hemorrhage.

mas maganda magpakagat na lang sa lamok. para maganda, mamatay na tayong lahat, wala ng makakagat yung lamok, edi wala ng lamok kasi mamatay din sila. kaylangan mamatay yung tao para mamatay din yung lamok kasi wala na silang makakagat.

Fever is one of the hallmark symptoms of dengue fever, a viral infection caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. There are several reasons why fever occurs in dengue patients:

• Viral Replication: Dengue virus replicates inside the human body after being transmitted through a mosquito bite. As the virus multiplies, it triggers an immune response. Fever is a common immune response to viral infections. When the body detects the presence of the virus, it raises its internal temperature as a defense mechanism to help fight off the infection.

• Cytokine Release: Dengue fever can lead to a phenomenon known as a cytokine storm. This is an excessive immune response characterized by the release of a large number of cytokines (small proteins) that play a key role in inflammation. The excessive release of cytokines can lead to a fever and other symptoms like joint pain and muscle aches.

• Vascular Permeability: In severe cases of dengue, the virus can affect the permeability of blood vessels, causing leakage of plasma from the blood vessels into surrounding tissues. This can lead to a drop in blood pressure and shock, a condition known as dengue shock syndrome. Fever is one of the early signs of this syndrome.

• Immune Response: As the immune system continues to respond to the virus, it produces antibodies to fight the infection. This immune response can also contribute to the fever and other symptoms.

It's important to note that not all cases of dengue fever are severe, and not everyone with dengue will experience the same symptoms. Some individuals may have mild cases with relatively low-grade fevers, while others may develop more severe forms of the disease with high fevers and potentially life-threatening complications. If someone suspects they have dengue fever, it's important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and management, especially in areas where dengue is endemic. Dengue can be a serious illness, and early detection and medical care can significantly improve outcomes.

HARNESSING CHIKUNGUNYA & DENGUE- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENT SAFE APPROACH * Sreejith A., **Dr. Lakshmanan S Recent outbreaks and resurgence of mosquito-borne diseases such as Chickungunya and dengue in parts of Indian peninsula, especially in state of Kerala, which boasts an efficient healthcare system, is an outcome of extensive mosquito breeding under situations of unsustainable environment management. Chikungunya is a relatively rare form of viral fever caused by an RNA virus, alphavirus (Fam:Togoviridae) that is spread by mosquito bites from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, though recent research by the Pasteur Institute in Paris claims the virus has suffered a mutation that enables it to be transmitted by Aedes aegypti , Aedes albopictus (Tiger mosquito). Dengue Fever (DF), an outbreak prone viral disease is transmitted by Aedesmosquitoes. DF is characterized by fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, rash, nausea and vomiting. Some infection results in Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) - a syndrome that in its severe form can threaten the patient's life primarily through increased vascular permeability and shock. The four-dengue viruses DEN 1, 2, 3 and 4, which are closely related antigenically, causes DF and DHF. Aedes aegypti is the main vector species of DF/DHF in India and is common in most of the urban areas on account of deficient water management, presence of nondegradable tyres and long-lasting plastic containers as well as increasing urban agglomerations and inability of the public health community to mobilize the population to respond to the need to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Overhead tanks, ground water storage tanks and septic tanks are usually the primary habitats where the Aedes sp. breeds almost entirely. Natural larval habitats are rare, but include tree holes, leaf axles and coconut shells. The population of Aedes aegypti fluctuates with rainfall temperature and humidity. Under the optimal conditions the life cycle of aquatic stage of the Aedes aegypti (the time taken from hatching to adult emergence) can be as short as seven days. At low temperatures, however, it may take several weeks for adults to emerge. With the rise in global temperature as a result of Global climate change, which is evident during the past two months in the state of Kerala, may be one of the many reasons for extensive multiplication of arthropod vectors like Aedes sp. During the rainy season, when survival is longer, the risk of virus transmission is greater. The rural spread of Aedes is a relatively recent occurrence associated with expanding network of rural water supply schemes and other development projects without health and environmental impact assessments, scarcity of water with consequent water storage, changing lifestyle with improper use of air coolers and indiscriminate use of disposable containers, bottles, etc, increased the spread. Therefore, the key to control vector borne diseases is adoption of a comprehensive approach by way of regular vector surveillance and integrated management of the Aedes mosquitoes through environmental, biological and chemical control that are safe and cost effective; Environmental Management The major environmental management methods used for control of immature stages of Aedes sp. is: * Environmental modification: Long lasting physical transformation of vector habitats. * For example, improved water supply, mosquito proofing of overhead tanks, cisterns or underground reservoirs. * Environmental manipulation: Temporary changes to vector habitats that involve the management of essential. and non-essential. containers and management of or removal of natural breeding sites. * Changes in human habitations: Efforts are made to reduce man-virus contact by mosquito proofing of houses with screens on doors/windows. Biological Control * Larvivorous fish are recommended for control of Aedes aegypti in large water bodies or large water containers. * Endotoxin-producing bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) serotype H-14 (Bt H-14) has been found an effective mosquito control agent. Management at Household, Community and Institutional Level: Aedes aegypti mosquito bites during daytime. Adult mosquitoes should be killed by using of commercially available safe aerosols (Pyrethroid-based). Rooms including closets, bathrooms and kitchens should be sprayed (by removing/covering all food items properly) for a few minutes and closing the room for 15-20 minutes. The timing of the spray should coincide with the peak biting time of the Aedes aegyptimosquito, e.g., early morning or late afternoon. * Taking personal protection measures like wearing protective clothing (full sleeved shirts & full pants during day time) and using mosquito nets, preferably insecticide treated ones, while sleeping, even during daytime. * Using commercially available repellents during daytime. * Using mosquito repellents or burning neem leaves, coconut shells and husk to kill or repel the mosquitoes. * Using tight-fitting screens/wire mesh on doors and windows. * Covering all water containers in the house and water storage structures to prevent fresh egg laying by the vector. * Emptying, drying water tanks, containers, coolers, bird baths, pets water bowls, plant pots, drip trays at least once each week. * Regularly checking for clogged gutters and flat roofs that may have poor drainage. * Launch awareness campaigns on vector borne diseases and seek cooperation for prevention of mosquito breeding and protection from mosquito bites. * Keeping the surroundings clean and improving basic sanitation measures. * Cleaning weeds and tall grass to reduce available outdoor resting places for adult mosquitoes near houses. * In case water containers cannot be emptied, applying Temephos (1 ppm) on weekly basis in coordination with the Health authorities. * Introducing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) dunks, larvivorous fishes (e.g., Gambusia / Guppy) in abandoned water bodies and ponds. * Carrying out Indoor Space spraying with Pyrethrum 2%. The timing of the spray should coincide with the biting time of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, e.g., early morning or late afternoon. * Carrying out fogging or Ultra Low Volume (ULV) spray by using 95% or pure technical malathion. = Conclusion = It is essential to built public-private partnership of hospitals, non-health sector departments including schools/colleges, civil society organizations (NGOs, Faith Based Organizations and Community Based Organizations like Residents Welfare Organizations, Self-Help Groups), Panchayati Raj Institutions/Municipal Bodies or such like local self-governments, local Religious Bodies, Nehru Yuvak Kendras, NSS/NCC units in schools and colleges as well as professional associations and corporate sector to accomplish successful vector control programme on a sustainable basis. References Guidelines For Integrated Vector Management For Control Of Dengue / Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, NVBDCP, Delhi HHS Publication No. (CDC) (99-xxxx) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service Lumsden WHR (1955). "An Epidemic of Virus Disease in Southern Province, Tanganyika Territory, in 1952-53; II. General Description and Epidemiology". Trans Royal Society Trop Med Hyg 49 (1): 33-57. Robinson Marion (1955). "An Epidemic of Virus Disease in Southern Province, Tanganyika Territory, in 1952-53; I. Clinical Features". Trans Royal Society Trop Med Hyg 49 (1): 28-32. Vanlandingham DL, Hong C, Klingler K, Tsetsarkin K, McElroy KL, Powers AM, Lehane MJ, Higgs S (2005). "Differential infectivities of o'nyong-nyong and chikungunya virus isolates in Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes". Am J Trop Med Hyg 72 (5): 616-21. PubMed. *Author is currently working as Project Officer, World Wide Fund for Nature - India ** Co-author is a practising Physician in Social and Preventive Medicine at PRS Hospital, Trivandrum. HARNESSING CHIKUNGUNYA & DENGUE- AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENT SAFE APPROACH * Sreejith A., **Dr. Lakshmanan S Recent outbreaks and resurgence of mosquito-borne diseases such as Chickungunya and dengue in parts of Indian peninsula, especially in state of Kerala, which boasts an efficient healthcare system, is an outcome of extensive mosquito breeding under situations of unsustainable environment management. Chikungunya is a relatively rare form of viral fever caused by an RNA virus, alphavirus (Fam:Togoviridae) that is spread by mosquito bites from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, though recent research by the Pasteur Institute in Paris claims the virus has suffered a mutation that enables it to be transmitted by Aedes aegypti , Aedes albopictus (Tiger mosquito). Dengue Fever (DF), an outbreak prone viral disease is transmitted by Aedesmosquitoes. DF is characterized by fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, rash, nausea and vomiting. Some infection results in Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) - a syndrome that in its severe form can threaten the patient's life primarily through increased vascular permeability and shock. The four-dengue viruses DEN 1, 2, 3 and 4, which are closely related antigenically, causes DF and DHF. Aedes aegypti is the main vector species of DF/DHF in India and is common in most of the urban areas on account of deficient water management, presence of nondegradable tyres and long-lasting plastic containers as well as increasing urban agglomerations and inability of the public health community to mobilize the population to respond to the need to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Overhead tanks, ground water storage tanks and septic tanks are usually the primary habitats where the Aedes sp. breeds almost entirely. Natural larval habitats are rare, but include tree holes, leaf axles and coconut shells. The population of Aedes aegypti fluctuates with rainfall temperature and humidity. Under the optimal conditions the life cycle of aquatic stage of the Aedes aegypti (the time taken from hatching to adult emergence) can be as short as seven days. At low temperatures, however, it may take several weeks for adults to emerge. With the rise in global temperature as a result of Global climate change, which is evident during the past two months in the state of Kerala, may be one of the many reasons for extensive multiplication of arthropod vectors like Aedes sp. During the rainy season, when survival is longer, the risk of virus transmission is greater. The rural spread of Aedes is a relatively recent occurrence associated with expanding network of rural water supply schemes and other development projects without health and environmental impact assessments, scarcity of water with consequent water storage, changing lifestyle with improper use of air coolers and indiscriminate use of disposable containers, bottles, etc, increased the spread. Therefore, the key to control vector borne diseases is adoption of a comprehensive approach by way of regular vector surveillance and integrated management of the Aedes mosquitoes through environmental, biological and chemical control that are safe and cost effective; Environmental Management The major environmental management methods used for control of immature stages of Aedes sp. is: * Environmental modification: Long lasting physical transformation of vector habitats. * For example, improved water supply, mosquito proofing of overhead tanks, cisterns or underground reservoirs. * Environmental manipulation: Temporary changes to vector habitats that involve the management of essential. and non-essential. containers and management of or removal of natural breeding sites. * Changes in human habitations: Efforts are made to reduce man-virus contact by mosquito proofing of houses with screens on doors/windows. Biological Control * Larvivorous fish are recommended for control of Aedes aegypti in large water bodies or large water containers. * Endotoxin-producing bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) serotype H-14 (Bt H-14) has been found an effective mosquito control agent. Management at Household, Community and Institutional Level: Aedes aegypti mosquito bites during daytime. Adult mosquitoes should be killed by using of commercially available safe aerosols (Pyrethroid-based). Rooms including closets, bathrooms and kitchens should be sprayed (by removing/covering all food items properly) for a few minutes and closing the room for 15-20 minutes. The timing of the spray should coincide with the peak biting time of the Aedes aegyptimosquito, e.g., early morning or late afternoon. * Taking personal protection measures like wearing protective clothing (full sleeved shirts & full pants during day time) and using mosquito nets, preferably insecticide treated ones, while sleeping, even during daytime. * Using commercially available repellents during daytime. * Using mosquito repellents or burning neem leaves, coconut shells and husk to kill or repel the mosquitoes. * Using tight-fitting screens/wire mesh on doors and windows. * Covering all water containers in the house and water storage structures to prevent fresh egg laying by the vector. * Emptying, drying water tanks, containers, coolers, bird baths, pets water bowls, plant pots, drip trays at least once each week. * Regularly checking for clogged gutters and flat roofs that may have poor drainage. * Launch awareness campaigns on vector borne diseases and seek cooperation for prevention of mosquito breeding and protection from mosquito bites. * Keeping the surroundings clean and improving basic sanitation measures. * Cleaning weeds and tall grass to reduce available outdoor resting places for adult mosquitoes near houses. * In case water containers cannot be emptied, applying Temephos (1 ppm) on weekly basis in coordination with the Health authorities. * Introducing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) dunks, larvivorous fishes (e.g., Gambusia / Guppy) in abandoned water bodies and ponds. * Carrying out Indoor Space spraying with Pyrethrum 2%. The timing of the spray should coincide with the biting time of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, e.g., early morning or late afternoon. * Carrying out fogging or Ultra Low Volume (ULV) spray by using 95% or pure technical malathion. = Conclusion = It is essential to built public-private partnership of hospitals, non-health sector departments including schools/colleges, civil society organizations (NGOs, Faith Based Organizations and Community Based Organizations like Residents Welfare Organizations, Self-Help Groups), Panchayati Raj Institutions/Municipal Bodies or such like local self-governments, local Religious Bodies, Nehru Yuvak Kendras, NSS/NCC units in schools and colleges as well as professional associations and corporate sector to accomplish successful vector control programme on a sustainable basis. References Guidelines For Integrated Vector Management For Control Of Dengue / Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, NVBDCP, Delhi HHS Publication No. (CDC) (99-xxxx) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service Lumsden WHR (1955). "An Epidemic of Virus Disease in Southern Province, Tanganyika Territory, in 1952-53; II. General Description and Epidemiology". Trans Royal Society Trop Med Hyg 49 (1): 33-57. Robinson Marion (1955). "An Epidemic of Virus Disease in Southern Province, Tanganyika Territory, in 1952-53; I. Clinical Features". Trans Royal Society Trop Med Hyg 49 (1): 28-32. Vanlandingham DL, Hong C, Klingler K, Tsetsarkin K, McElroy KL, Powers AM, Lehane MJ, Higgs S (2005). "Differential infectivities of o'nyong-nyong and chikungunya virus isolates in Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes". Am J Trop Med Hyg 72 (5): 616-21. PubMed. *Author is currently working as Project Officer, World Wide Fund for Nature - India ** Co-author is a practising Physician in Social and Preventive Medicine at PRS Hospital, Trivandrum.