Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection which is caused by an Arbovirus.  In recent years, it has become a major international public health concern.  Dengue is found in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world, predominantly in urban and semi-urban areas.

     Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF), a potentially lethal complication, was first recognized in the 1950s during the dengue epidemics in the Philippines and Thailand, but today DHF affects most Asian countries and has become a leading cause of hospitalization and death among children in several of them.

ETIOLOGY

• Dengue Virus type 1, 2, 3, and 4:  four distinct, but closely related, viruses that cause Dengue.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

• Source:  infected persons
• Mode of Transmission:
• Dengue viruses are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected day-biting (from the time the sun rises to the time the sun sets), low-flying, female mosquitoes,  Aedes aegyti 
• Factors favoring spread of infection:
• Water stored within household (old tires, flower vases etc.) or stagnant, clean water in premises
• High human population density

(the more crowded the human population, the higher the infection rate)

INCUBATION PERIOD

• 3 - 10 days, usually 4 -6 days

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• FEVER: sudden onset, usually high grade (39 OC - 41 OC), may last for 2 to 9 days
• HEADACHE:  mild to severe
• WEAKNESS & FATIGUE
• JOINT & MUSCLE PAIN
• Nausea & Vomiting
• SKIN RASHES
• BLEEDING
• nose
• gums
• skin: petechiae (rash)
• stomach:  coffee-colored vomitus / black stool

TREATMENT

• NO SPECIFIC TREATMENT
• Treatment modality is geared towards supportive and symptomatic relief of symptoms
• Complete bed rest
• Oral Rehydration Salt is recommended if the patient can tolerate oral fluids
• Paracetamol is the drug of choice to bring down fever
• Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Mefenamic Acid should be avoided since they can increase the risk of bleeding

PREVENTION AND CONTROL

• Aedes aegypti breeds primarily in man-made containers like earthenware jars, metal drums and concrete cisterns used for domestic water storage, as well as discarded plastic food containers, used automobile tires and other items that collect rainwater
• At present, the only method of controlling or preventing dengue and DHF is to combat the vector mosquitoes.  Vector control is implemented using environmental management and chemical methods.
• Using protective mosquito repellants in the form of lotions or sprays may help prevent mosquito bites.
• Placing larvae-eating fish (i.e. Tilapia) in water ponds may help eradicated both non-infected and infected Dengue mosquitoes.
• Providing plants that are considered effective mosquito repellants (i.e. eucalyptus, neem trees, etc.)  around the premises may help.

Note : For proper documentation, evaluation and management, all Xavier units must report confirmed Dengue cases to the Infirmary.  Likewise, we request the cooperation of our Xavier parents in this undertaking.  Thank you very much!

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