The mosquito scourge is dependent on certain environmental conditions to survive and our meddling with nature as in the case of once arid lands, turning them into lush farmland may be responsible for spreading the disease. Mosquitoes thrive in tropical environments and with many tropical areas already infected, taming other places that used to be too harsh for them, where rainwater is so precious we try to collect each and every drop turning them into havens for the virus carrying mosquito. (more…)

Dengue infections have spread all over the world and in most cases, modern hospital management and care manages to get the patient back to normal health. The few who die from the disease are a unique bunch who develop a sort of shock-syndrome to the virus, with their bodies reacting so violently they present symptoms the alternate name of dengue is known, hemorrhagic fever that can result in death. (more…)

The outbreaks of many diseases that used to be contained in isolated incidents has become a thing of the past, thanks to modern travel, mostly by air which can reach all corners of the world in less than a day. The recent outbreak of swine flu, a totally different virus more akin to the bird-flu outbreak we had was a first time test of a virus that spread so fast it got out of the containment level before authorities could react. Weaknesses have been exposed and the many gaps of even the best funded government’s health services put to the test. In the end, the world was unprepared for the outbreak which has added to the many problem super-bugs we are now dealing from dengue, avian and swine flu among some of the most recent. (more…)

Dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever (also known as break-bone fever) are acute febrile diseases which may be severe and potentially deadly if not treated immediately. Disease transmission is through the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. Presently, there are four different viruses known to cause dengue hemorrhagic fever to humans.

The dengue patient may experience irritation, restlessness, sweating, severe headache, muscle and joint pains, fever, petechial rash, and ecchymosis.

There is still no known cure or vaccine for dengue. Treatments available are increase fluid intake and administration of IV fluids and electrolytes to correct electrolyte imbalances and dehydration, oxygen therapy to treat abnormal low blood oxygen, and transfusion of fresh blood or platelets to correct the bleeding problems. Rest is important for dengue patients. For severe headache and joint and muscle pains, Acetaminophen and codeine may be given. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided to avoid bleeding problems.

Researchers have come up with a vaccine that is effective against the four strains of the deadly disease that has proven effective on trials using monkeys. Annually, there are a reported million cases of infection that comes mostly from the tropics and people who have been to such areas. Two of the four types are deadly, hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome the tetravalent vaccine hopes to address. Proteins from all four viral strains were combined along with an adenovirus agent that resulted in the vaccine that promises to be the best yet.
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Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever(DHF) is actually an old virus that is considered to be one of the most deadliest the world over due to their ability to jump species. Spread by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, that is differentiated by it’s daytime feeding habits, it has silently killed millions the world over. The incubation period is short accompanied by severe fever that usually lasts three days, after which, without proper monitoring and care death is sure to occur. Mostly restricted to areas that are in the tropics zone due to the inability of its host to survive in cold weather. Outbreaks have been well documented and a cure is still out of sight. The disease is however being tackled from different angles, one of them targets the disease at its source, the mosquito which can be infected with a virus that halves its lifespan thus lessening its ability to spread it by half. The danger came when man invented mass travel wherein people and machines could transport the disease carrying mosquitoes all over the globe.

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The worst kind of dengue is the shock syndrome, where your whole circulatory system just shuts down though it’s rare. Symptoms of dengue can vary but are often associated with a fever, headaches, joint pain and a rash. For most people it is not fatal. There is no specific treatment or vaccine for dengue fever. Once contracted, doctor’s advice is to take fluids and rest. The pathogenesis of dengue shock syndrome remains unclear. It is suggested that antibody-dependent enhancement is involved in these more serious conditions when infected the second time around with a different serotype of the virus. After an initial period of protection, antibodies from the primary infection can cross-react with other dengue virus serotypes but have waned to non-neutralizing levels leading to increased virus replication and immune activation including massive cytokine release also known as a cytokine storm.

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Symptoms of dengue fever appear suddenly after a period of incubation that lasts about five to eight days. It includes fever, chills, headache, eye pain, red eye, enlarge lymph nodes, a red flush to the face, lower back pain, extreme weakness and severe aches in the legs and joints.
The initial signs of illness last about two to three days. After this, the fever fluctuates and a rash appears in the arms, legs, and spreading to the chest and abdomen. The soles of the feet and the palms of the hands are swollen and turn red. The combination these characteristics of having fever, rash and headache are called the dengue triad. Although weakness and fatigue may last several weeks, most people recover fully from it. Once infected, the immune system keeps producing cells that prevent it from re-infection for about a year.

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During the rainy season mosquito flourishes and stagnant water builds up that can be the can be their breeding ground. They can also breed in water-filled flower pots, plastic bags, and cans year round. Most kids especially in school and are prone to this conditions our advised to wear long pants and long sleeves. For personal protection, they are asked to use mosquito repellant sprays or lotions that contain DEET like Off Lotion for kids by Johnson and Johnson that is so effective with non greasy feel.

One mosquito bite can inflict the disease called Dengue Fever. A virus contracted from the bite of a striped Aedes aegypti mosquito that has previously bitten an infected person. This 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.

The prevention of dengue requires control or eradication of the mosquitoes carrying the virus that causes dengue. In places plagued by dengue fever, people are urged to empty stagnant water from old tires, trash cans, and flower pots. Governmental initiatives to decrease mosquitoes also help to keep the disease in check but have been poorly effective.
If bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus, the incubation period ranges from three to 15 (usually five to eight) days before the signs and symptoms of dengue appear. Dengue starts with chills, headache, pain upon moving the eyes, and low backache. Painful aching in the legs and joints occurs during the first hours of illness. The temperature rises quickly as high as 104° F (40° C), with relative low heart rate (bradycardia) and low blood pressure (hypotension). The eyes become reddened. A flushing or pale pink rash comes over the face and then disappears. The glands (lymph nodes) in the neck and groin are often swollen. Fever and other signs of dengue last for two to four days, followed by rapid drop in temperature (defervescence) with profuse sweating. This precedes a period with normal temperature and a sense of well-being that lasts about a day. A second rapid rise in temperature follows. A characteristic rash appears along with the fever and spreads from the extremities to cover the entire body except the face. The palms and soles may be bright red and swollen. If this signs show kindly consult a doctor and have your blood tested for accurate diagnosis.
The Dengue Fever virus is not contagious and cannot be spread directly from person to person. There must be a person-to-mosquito-to-another-person pathway. There is currently no vaccine available for dengue fever because it is caused by a virus; there is no specific medicine or antibiotic to treat it. For typical dengue, the treatment is purely concerned with relief of the symptoms (symptomatic). Rest and fluid intake for adequate hydration is important. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and codeine may be given for severe headache and for the joint and muscle pain (myalgia).
There is a vaccine undergoing clinical trials, but it is too early to tell if it will be safe or effective.

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The rate of deaths associated with dengue fever is now becoming less. But this does not mean that we should not put concern on it. Many of my friends had dengue and according to them, it is not easy. We should keep in mind that dengue fever is fatal and it must be prevented.
As what people who are associated with the health department say, we must prevent it. And this is prevented by particularly, keeping our homes clean—inside and outside.
Aedes Aegypti, the kind of mosquito that carries the disease, lays their eggs in stagnant water which is found in our homes. Change the water in flower vases every other day to prevent the mosquitoes from laying their egg there. And keep the water containers covered,.
For yourself, see to it that you apply mosquito repellant lotion. Several are available in the market with variations of scents.
Bear in mind that prevention is better than cure.