What is dengue fever? Dengue is a virus-based infection majorly predominant in the tropical regions of the world. The female Aedes mosquito is the vector that transmits dengue causing virus cells from infected people to healthy people through blood-sucking bites. The virus then transfers from the vector and enters the host to rapidly reproduce dengue causing virus. Dengue is commonly classified in 4 different serotypes, which are: DENV 1, DENV2, DENV3, and DENV4. DENV 3 and 4 are the most occurring forms of the virus. How do you get dengue? Insect bites: the virus that causes dengue can be transmitted by the bite of infected female mosquitoes of the species Aedes aegypti and, to a lesser extent, the species Aedes albopictus Mother-to-child: possible transmission from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth Rare cases of transmission via blood products, organ donation, and transfusionsHow common is dengue fever?
Research estimates that nearly 400 million people get infected with dengue each year, but most (about 80%) have no symptoms. How to protect yourself from dengue
o The Spread of Dengue fever can be reduces by targeting the mosquitoes that transmit the disease: o Prevent mosquitoes from accessing egg-laying habitats o Dispose of waste properly and remove artificial man-made habitats o Cover, empty, and clean domestic water storage containers regularly o Apply insecticides to outdoor water storage containers o Use personal household protection such as window screens, long-sleeved clothes, insecticide-treated materials, coils and vaporizers o Apply insecticides during outbreaks as an emergency vector-control measure
