Dengue fever
Dengue fever is a viral infection which is transmitted via the bite of particular types of mosquitos. It most commonly occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, including the Asia-Pacific, Central American and Caribbean regions. In Australia, there have been outbreaks of dengue fever reported in northern Australia, particularly in northern Queensland.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of dengue fever include:- sudden onset of fever (lasting 3 to 7 days);
- intense headache and pain behind the eyes;
- muscle and joint pain — particularly affecting the ankles, knees and elbows;
- loss of appetite;
- vomiting and diarrhoea;
- skin rash;
- minor bleeding from the nose and gums; and
- extreme fatigue.
Doctors can usually diagnose dengue fever based on physical examination and a blood test.
Dengue fever usually affects older children and adults. Symptoms usually develop within 4 to 7 days of being bitten by the infective mosquito. Dengue cannot be spread directly from person to person.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. In general, most people recover fully from dengue fever, but this can occasionally take months. Recovery can be complicated by depression and fatigue.Dengue haemorrhagic fever
Dengue haemorrhagic fever is a rare, severe, sometimes fatal, form of dengue fever, which is most often seen in children under 15 years. Initially it presents in the same way as classical dengue fever, but after a few days there is rapid deterioration and collapse.In dengue haemorrhagic fever, large bruises often appear on the skin and there can be bleeding from the nose, gums or bowel. Urgent treatment is needed.
Prevention
There is no vaccine to prevent dengue fever.In areas where dengue-carrying mosquitos are endemic, prevention includes protection against being bitten as well as reduction of potential mosquito breeding sites.
To protect against mosquito bites:
- Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing that covers up as much of the body as possible, especially around dawn and dusk when the mosquitos are usually most active.
- Use insect repellents containing either DEET or picaridin (DEET should not be left on the skin overnight, and if the DEET concentration exceeds 20 per cent it should not be used on infants).
- Use insect screens and mosquito nets.
Dengue-carrying mosquitos generally breed in stagnant water found in man-made containers (such as discarded tyres, uncovered barrels, and buckets), rather than in rivers, swamps, open drains, creeks or mangroves. To eliminate breeding sites, empty any containers that are holding water in and around the home.
Last Reviewed: 15 April 2005
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