How fast does dengue fever spread

There are four dengue viruses DENV that cause dengue fever. They are all spread by a species of mosquito known as Aedes aegypti , and more rarely by the Aedes albopictus mosquito.

The viruses jumped from monkeys to humans between and years ago , according to the CDC, but dengue remained a minor problem until the middle of the twentieth century. Aedes aegypti originated in Africa, but nowadays it is found in tropical areas around the world, especially in and around areas of human population. The virus is transmitted from an infected mosquito to a human. A mosquito bites a person who is infected with the dengue virus, and the virus is passed on when the mosquito bites someone else.

It it possible to have dengue fever more than once. A second infection carries a higher risk of developing a harsher form. Dengue fever is most common in subtropical and tropical areas, such as Central and South America, parts of Africa, parts of Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.

Most cases of dengue among U. Virgin Islands, Samoa, and Guam, where the virus is endemic. Unlike malaria , dengue can happen in both urban areas and rural areas, but research published in suggested that it is more common in rural areas.

The signs and symptoms of dengue fever are similar to some other diseases, such as typhoid fever and malaria. This can sometimes delay an accurate diagnosis.

Anyone who lives in or travels to an at-risk area can use a number of ways to avoid being bitten. Clothing : Reduce the amount of skin exposed by wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks, tucking pant legs into shoes or socks, and wearing a hat.

Mosquito repellents : Use a repellent with at least 10 percent concentration of diethyltoluamide DEET , or a higher concentration for longer lengths of exposure. Avoid using DEET on young children. Mosquito traps and nets : Nets treated with insecticide are more effective, otherwise the mosquito can bite through the net if the person is standing next to it. The insecticide will kill mosquitoes and other insects, and it will repel insects from entering the room.

Door and window screens : Structural barriers, such as screens or netting, can keep mosquitos out. Camping gear : Treat clothes, shoes, and camping gear with permethrin, or purchase clothes that have been pretreated.

In rare cases, dengue fever can lead to a more serious form of the disease called dengue hemorrhagic fever DHF. DHF can be life-threatening and needs to be treated right away. Symptoms of dengue fever are generally mild in younger children and those who have the disease for the first time. Older kids, adults, and those who have had a previous infection may have moderate to severe symptoms. Dengue fever used to be called "breakbone fever," which might give you an idea of the severe bone and muscle pain it sometimes can cause.

The fever isn't actually breaking any bones, but it can sometimes feel like it is. Symptoms can start anywhere from 4 days to 2 weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito, and typically last for 2 to 7 days. After the fever eases, other symptoms can get worse and may cause more severe bleeding; gastrointestinal problems like nausea, vomiting, or severe abdominal belly pain; and respiratory problems like difficulty breathing.

Dehydration , heavy bleeding, and a rapid drop in blood pressure shock can follow if DHF goes untreated. These symptoms are life-threatening and need immediate medical care.

Someone who's had the illness becomes immune to that particular type of the virus but can still be infected by any of the other three types.

If you think your child might have dengue fever, call a doctor right away. You should also call a doctor if your child has recently been to a region that has dengue fever and has a fever or severe headache.

To make a diagnosis, the doctor will examine your child and evaluate the symptoms. The doctor will ask about your child's medical history and recent travels, and send a blood sample for testing. No specific treatment is available for dengue fever. Mild cases are managed with lots of fluids to prevent dehydration and getting plenty of rest. Pain relievers with acetaminophen can ease the headaches and pain associated with dengue fever.

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