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The mosquito-borne disease is often seen in hotter climates — and people can experience flu-like symptoms if bitten by a mosquito. Here’s what you need to know about viral infections.
Dengue fever – a viral infection spread by mosquitoes – has been detected in the south of France.
researchers warn Infection is getting more and more widespread A woman fell from the U.K. Caught this disease while on vacation.
What is dengue fever?
dengue fever, also known as dengueMosquito-borne viral infection caused by dengue virus (DENV).
The disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of a female yellow fever mosquito.
According to the World Health Organization, insects become infected when they feed on the blood of an infected person.
A week later, the mosquitoes can transmit the virus to healthy people through their bites.
However, the infection cannot be transmitted directly from person to person.
The NHS says dengue is usually not serious and usually gets better on its own.
Dengue fever may not always cause symptoms – but when they do occur, they usually appear four to ten days after infection.
Flu-like symptoms may occur when sick
According to the NHS website, some symptoms may resemble flu – these include:
• high temperature
• Pain behind the eye
• severe headache
• nausea and vomiting
• joint and muscle pain
• swollen glands
• Rash – slightly raised or flat spots affecting large areas of the body
Some people may also experience severe dengue fever, but this is rare.
The critical stage occurs around three to seven days after the first signs of illness appear, according to the WHO.
Fever may decrease, but this is not a sign of recovery. The following are symptoms associated with severe dengue:
• stomachache
• persistent vomiting
• Unusual shortness of breath
• Bleeding gums or nose
• extreme fatigue
• Restlessness (unable to relax)
• Bloody vomit and stool
Can dengue fever be treated?
There is currently no treatment or known vaccine for the viral infection, but the NHS website advises people to rest, drink plenty of fluids and take paracetamol if symptoms persist.
“Do not take anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin. These medicines may cause bleeding problems if you have dengue,” the NHS said.
If people develop severe dengue symptoms, they are advised to go to the hospital.
Left untreated, the infection can lead to shock, internal bleeding and even death, according to the CDC.
read more:
Dengue case in Ibiza alerts tourists
Technology pioneered to tackle dengue fever
Who is at risk of being infected?
Dengue fever is very common in certain parts of the world, especially in the tropics, such as parts of Africa, Asia, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, the Pacific islands, and some southern regions of North America.
European countries are also at risk during the hotter season of the year – such as Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Madeira.
High-risk groups are:
• Toddlers and infants
• People over the age of 65
• pregnant women
• People with weakened immune systems
what you can do to prevent infection
When traveling to countries with high infection rates, there are some practices you can follow to help prevent being bitten – for example:
• Wear long sleeves and pants to cover your arms and legs
• Spray insect repellant – containing DEET – directly on the skin to repel flies
• Use insecticide-treated nets
• Keep all windows and doors closed if possible
Last month, Spanish health officials issued an alert ranging from “low” to “moderate” for the period from May to November Ibiza erupts.
The alarm was raised after six German tourists became infected while visiting the island between August and November last year.
A 27-year-old woman tested positive after visiting the Spanish island in August 2022 with her partner and one-year-old daughter.
All three had symptoms including fever, joint pain and rashes.
Dr Owain Donnelly, of the London Hospital for Tropical Diseases, said: “With climate change, especially warmer temperatures and more rainfall, and increased global trade and tourism, we are likely to see the right mix of dengue outbreaks in more parts of Europe. “
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