What Is The Cause Of Dengue Fever And How Can We Prevent It

Malaria, Dengue and Chikungunya are post rainy season maladies and are spread by mosquitoes. Dengue fever is caused by a virus called Dengue virus and is transmitted from an infected person to a normal person by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are more active during the morning hours. The Dengue infection could be a serious problem and need hospitalization if platelet count of the blood patient falls below 30000/ml
leading to bleeding in side the body. There may also be a fall in blood pressure of the patient during dengue fever. Chikungunya is also transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Chikungunya is characterized by rash, fever and severe joint pains like dengue fever. However, chikungunya is not as severe as dengue fever. Incubation period between the infected mosquito bites and dengue fever or chikungunya is 10 to 12 days and the course of fever runs for a week generally.

Suspect dengue in case of sudden onset of high grade fever and chills associated with headache and pain in muscles, joints and back. In some cases there could be purplish-red rash on lower limbs and chest. There may also be abdominal pain and diarrhea. The key to accurate and effective treatment is accurate, quick and early diagnosis. If anybody has fever with above cited symptoms, quickly get investigated for dengue. In malaria we look for the direct evidence of malarial parasites in the peripheral blood films but in case of dengue fever, indirect diagnosis is made based on the exploration of anti-dengue antibodies in the patient's blood or serum by ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immuno-sorbent Assay) or viral DNA by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). The aforesaid methods need at least one day to make a diagnosis of dengue infection. A technique called Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification Procedure (LAMP) is probably under developmental stage and could be helpful in achieving the diagnosis of dengue within one hour. Use mosquito net at night as well as mosquito repellent vaporizers to save your self from mosquito bites in endemic areas. Wear protective clothing and keep your feet covered while on a morning or evening walk. All mosquito borne diseases could be prevented through coordinated efforts of the public and the vector control organizations through out the world.