Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease. It spreads from one person to the other only when an Aedes mosquito infected with the dengue virus bites a healthy person especially during day time. It does not spread by touch, cough or secretions.
Dengue presents as high-grade fever, pain in the eyes, skin rash, headache, body aches, and pain in the joints. In severe cases, it can lead to difficulty in breathing, severe abdominal pain and bleeding. Most patients with dengue fever have mild illness and can be managed at home by maintaining fluid intake, monitoring symptoms and taking medicines. However, at times, it may cause a potentially serious complication, called severe dengue (hemorrhage and shock).
The disease can be prevented by ensuring proper measures to prevent mosquito breeding and water stagnation. Also, use of mosquito nets and repellents can help you to prevent mosquito bites. People suffering from dengue fever should take adequate rest, eat a healthy diet, take plenty of fluids and monitor platelet count and blood pressure closely.
