What is dengue fever and what are the symptoms of this dangerous mosquito-borne disease

Currently, Nearly 500 million people in the Americas are at risk of contracting dengue fever according to data from Pan American Health Organization (OPS).

This disease It can affect people of all ages, although in some cases it can be fatal. .

“It can progress to severe forms, mainly characterized by shock, respiratory distress and/or severe organ damage. . Dengue has a stationary behavior, that is, in the southern hemisphere most cases occur in the first half of the year, while in the northern hemisphere cases mainly occur in the second half of the year. This behavior corresponds to the hottest and rainiest months,” specifies the institution.

On the continent, the main cause of transmission is the bite of a mosquito called Aedes aegypti .

According to information retrieved by The nation , This insect grows on the interior walls of containers filled with water. .

The time required for growth is approximately two weeks, while at this time It is characterized by its dark color, with white spots and stripes .

Its bite, in addition to dengue, can transmit other diseases such as Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever, depending on the area.

In this direction, Dengue is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes and not by direct person-to-person contact. .

However, If one of these insects consumes the blood of a sick individual and then bites others, it could transmit disease.

“All four dengue serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4) are circulating simultaneously throughout America and in some countries. Infection with one serotype, followed by infection with a different serotype, increases the risk of severe dengue fever and even death. “, they specify to the OPS.

The signs may vary depending on each case. However, the Centers for Disaster Control and Prevention of the United States (CDC, for its acronym in English) detail what are the most common and serious .

Among the symptoms of the first group are the following: accompanied by fever :

• Nausea Vomiting
• Rash
• Pain (eye pain, usually behind the eyes, muscle pain, joint pain, or bone pain)

Such signs They generally last between 2 and 7 days while the majority of patients recover within a week of its onset.

However, below you will find symptoms classified as serious .

• Stomach pain or tenderness
• Vomiting (at least 3 times in 24 hours)
• Bleeding from the nose or gums
• Vomiting blood or blood in stools
• Feeling tired, restless, or irritable

These warning signs, according to the CDC, “usually begins 24 to 48 hours after the fever has subsided” .

If you have any of these symptoms, They recommended seeing a doctor to assess your health and the best ways to treat your case. .