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Mosquito-borne virus -

Dengue fever, otherwise known as Dengue, is an infection spread by mosquitoes. It does not always cause serious illness though; in fact, only one in four people infected get sick.

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Where it is found -

Dengue is common in certain parts of the world, including parts of Africa and Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, and certain southern areas of Northern America.

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Where it is found -

It is also possible to catch Dengue in certain parts of Southern Europe at certain times of the year (from spring to November).

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Where it is found -

Countries in Europe where Dengue has been found include Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, mainland Portugal, and Madeira (Portugal).

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Recent news item -

Although Dengue fever is not found everywhere in the world, it has been in the news recently because of a rise in cases, in particular in Puerto Rico.

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Numbers -

Indeed, Puerto Rico has declared at least 549 cases already in 2024, compared with a total number of 1,293 cases for the year in 2023.

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Epidemic -

According to the island's health department, more than 340 people have been hospitalized by the virus, and the country has now declared an epidemic.

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Pandemic risk -

This is the first time Puerto Rico has declared a Dengue epidemic since 2012, and it comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that Dengue is a pandemic risk in January 2024.

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Larger pattern -

Indeed, the outbreak in Puerto Rico is part of a larger pattern that has emerged across the Americas so far in 2024.

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Other countries affected -

Countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Uruguay have all reported a significant rise in the number of cases of Dengue fever.

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Recognizing the symptoms -

While being infected with Dengue does not always cause people to get sick, it is nonetheless a good idea to be able to recognize the symptoms.

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Travelling to a Dengue country -

This is particularly true if you plan to travel to a country where the number of Dengue cases is on the rise.

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Time for symptoms to appear -

If you do have Dengue symptoms, they will normally develop in the four to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

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Flu-like symptoms -

Dengue fever can feel like flu, and the symptoms are similar. They include a high temperature, a severe headache, and pain behind the eyes.

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Further symptoms -

Further symptoms include muscle and joint pain, feeling or being sick, swollen glands, and a rash that consists of flat or slightly raised spots.

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When to seek medical attention -

In general, people who develop Dengue symptoms feel better after about a week. However, it is important to seek medical attention if you have recently traveled to a country with Dengue and you have symptoms.

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Severe Dengue -

This is important, because some people develop a more severe type of Dengue a few days after they start to feel unwell. This is rare, but not unheard of.

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Risk groups -

If you have had Dengue before, you are more likely to develop severe Dengue. It is also more common in pregnant women and infants.

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Developing severe Dengue -

People who develop severe Dengue may start to feel better and see their temperature return to normal, only to develop even more serious symptoms 24-48 hours later.

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Symptoms -

Symptoms of severe Dengue include severe tummy pain, repeated vomiting, fast breathing, bleeding gums or nose, fatigue, restlessness, and bloody vomit or stool.

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Hospital treatment required -

Severe Dengue can become very serious if not treated properly in a hospital. It is therefore important to stay vigilant and seek medical attention when required.

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Treatment -

There is no specific treatment for Dengue, but you can help ease your symptoms by resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking paracetamol.

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No ibuprofen or aspirin -

It is important, however, that you do not take anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin. These can cause bleeding problems in people with Dengue.

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Risk groups -

There are certain groups of people who are at higher risk of becoming unwell with Dengue. These are groups of people who are very young, over 65, pregnant, or who have a weakened immune system.

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Avoid travel -

If you belong to one of these groups, it is advisable to avoid traveling to countries where this infection is found.

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Avoiding mosquito bites -

For people who do travel to countries where Dengue is found, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes in the first place.

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Proper clothing -

It is a good idea to wear long-sleeved clothing and pants to cover your arms and legs, particularly during the early morning and evening, when more mosquitoes are around.

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Insect repellent - You might also use an insect repellent on your skin, preferably one that contains the ingredient DEET, and you should try to close windows and blinds wherever possible.

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Mosquito net -

Finally, it is a good idea to sleep under a mosquito net that has been treated with insecticide, including when you are sleeping during the day.

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In conclusion -

Dengue fever can be nasty, and cases are on the rise. While it is rare to become very sick from this infection, it is worth remaining vigilant and being aware of the symptoms.

Sources: (NHS) (CDC)

See also: Ticks and tick-borne illness—what you need to know and how to avoid them

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