Table of Contents
Introduction-Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is a global health problem caused primarily by the dengue virus transmitted by the infected Aedes mosquito. This disease affects millions of people worldwide and poses a major threat to public health in affected areas. Understanding the different types of dengue is important for effective management, prevention, and control strategies. This article provides an in-depth overview of the various dengue diseases, their symptoms, public health effects, preventative measures, and ongoing research to combat this elusive disease.
Virus and Transmission of Dengue Fever
Dengue virus belongs to the family Flaviviridae and is divided into four species (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4). Each serotype exhibits a unique genetic makeup and infection with one serotype does not confer immunity against other serotypes. Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, are vectors that transmit dengue fever to humans. When an infected mosquito bites a person, the virus enters the bloodstream, causing an infection.
Type of Dengue Fever
There are four types of dengue viruses (DENV) (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4), each of which can cause serious illness (dengue hemorrhagic fever [DHF]/dengue shock syndrome [DSS]).
A-Based on Saverity
Dengue fever (DF)
Dengue is a type of dengue and has symptoms of fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, and fatigue. While most cases of DF are mild and self-limiting, they cause discomfort and distress.
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF)
DHF is a type of dengue fever that can cause bleeding, plasma leakage, and organ failure. Symptoms include bleeding gums, nosebleeds, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and abdominal pain.
Prompt treatment is essential to prevent death.
Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS)
DSS is the most common form of dengue fever and is characterized by sudden shock leading to shock. Patients with DSS may show all the symptoms of DHF with symptoms of shock such as cold, clammy skin, weak pulse, and brain changes. Immediate treatment is essential to prevent death.
B. The four serotypesÂ
The four serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4) based on the dengue virus serotype show a genetic mutation that results in different levels of resistance. Cross-contamination between serotypes is lacking and continued exposure to different serotypes increases the risk of serious disease.
Clinical Presentation-Dengue Fever
A. Dengue Fever (DF)
DF usually presents with the onset of fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, and other symptoms. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and minor bleeding such as nosebleeds and bleeding gums. Diagnosis of DF usually includes clinical examination, symptom history, and serological tests to detect dengue-specific antibodies or viral RNA in the blood.
B. Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF)
DHF initially shows symptoms similar to DF but can cause severe symptoms. These symptoms include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing, bleeding gums and nose, and bruises.
Laboratory tests are important in the diagnosis of DHF, and platelet count and hematocrit levels are important in the diagnosis of plasma.
C. Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS)
DSS is the most severe form of dengue fever, and patients may develop severe DHF symptoms with neurological symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, cold skin, and mental changes. Immediate medical attention, including intravenous fluids and blood, should stabilize the patient.
Impact on public health -Dengue Fever
A. Global distribution and range-Dengue virus is found in more than 100 countries, mostly in tropical and subtropical regions including Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Americas, and parts of Africa. Global change and climate change have caused the virus to spread to uninfected areas.
B. Epidemiology and Epidemics-Dengue fever can occur in areas where the disease has already passed, and the infection can affect large numbers of people and beyond treatment.
Factors such as more mosquitoes, climate change, and animal protection are playing a role in the spread.
C. Economic Burden and Medical Costs-Dengue fever causes a significant impact on affected countries due to medical costs, loss of productivity, and burden on medical facilities. Treating severe dengue can be costly and strain already limited resources.
D. Surveillance and reporting of cases- Accurate and timely reporting of dengue cases is essential for effective disease control. However, in many regions, false reporting and misidentification can be difficult and hinder the implementation of appropriate controls.
Prevention and Control Strategies-Dengue Fever
A. Vector Control Measures-Vector control is still an important way to prevent the spread of dengue fever.
Strategies include mitigation to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, pesticides, and herbicides.
B. Public health interventions-Health education programs can increase awareness of the importance of dengue prevention, symptoms, and treatment seeking. Community involvement is critical to promoting vector control.
C.-Vaccines Research and development of
dengue vaccines are ongoing, and some vaccines have been approved by regulatory authorities in some countries. Vaccination can help reduce the burden of dengue and prevent serious illness.
Summary
In conclusion, dengue remains a major problem for global health. Understanding the different types of dengue, their symptoms, and what makes them contagious is important to develop effective prevention and control strategies. Ongoing research on vaccines and the dengue virus promises to reduce the disease and eventually eliminate dengue as a global health threat. Collaboration and collaboration with the government, health system, society, and international organizations are important to solve this problem.