The transmission of dengue usually occurs as a mosquito-borne infection; however, it may also occur via blood transfusion, mother-to-child during either pregnancy or labor and delivery, and needle-stick injuries in health care settings. Organ transplant is another way the disease can spread.
Though vaccine research for this disease has been in progress, there is no satisfactory immunization against it. Individuals who acquire the infection will have lifetime immunity against the virus responsible for their illness. However, acquisition of dengue does not provide full immunity against the other three viruses which may cause dengue. Therefore, the patient can get the disease again, and each bout of dengue places the person at risk for serious forms of the disease.
Serious forms of the disease include dengue hemorrhagic fever in which there may be circulatory shock and death of the patient if vigorous supportive measures do not take place.
Community Awareness
Members of the community must become aware of methods to prevent the spread of dengue. This involves the removal of containers which collect water because mosquitoes tend to lay eggs in environments where there is water accumulation. They should remove used automobile tires or cover them so that water does not pool there.
The same is true for 55-gallon drums, plastic containers, and pet and animal water bowls. Vases with fresh flowers can collect mosquito eggs, but residents can empty and clean them each week in order to remove the mosquito eggs. There is some benefit as well to the use of insecticides which residents can apply to outdoor water storage containers.
Mosquito-Borne Disease Prevention
People should wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites. Socks and shoes are also essential in this regard. The use of insect repellents is helpful as well to avoid mosquito bites not only for this disease, but also for other mosquito-borne medical conditions such as malaria (World Health Organization, 2012).
Unlike the female Anopheles mosquito which transmits the parasite responsible for malaria from dusk to dawn, the mosquito that spreads dengue bites in the daytime. It begins early in the morning and continues until near dusk. Hence, individuals who reside in or visit areas endemic for dengue, or any other mosquito-borne disease, should stay in homes with screens or air-conditioning.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control. (2011). Dengue. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
- World Health Organization. (2012). Dengue and severe dengue. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact their physician for advice.
Michael Koger - Dr. Koger obtained his medical education at Meharry Medical College and specialized in Internal Medicine.
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