Dengue: Frequently Asked Questions

Dr.Rakesh Pandit, 3 mins read

IS DENGUE CONTAGIOUS FROM PERSON TO PERSON?

Ans. - Dengue is a non-contagious disease. It is not transmissible from one person to another. It is acquired through a mosquito bite which injects the virus into the bloodstream while sucking blood. So, dengue is called a vector-borne disease because it follows a transmission chain from an infected person – to a mosquito- to a healthy person.

CAN I BE INFECTED WITH DENGUE A SECOND TIME OR MORE TIMES?

Ans. - Dengue is caused by 4 different serotypes of the dengue virus. So if a person is infected by one serotype, he/she can also get infected by the rest of the serotypes. Lifetime immunity is developed against the infecting serotype while it gives immunity for just 2 years against the rest of the serotypes.

WHAT KINDS OF MOSQUITO REPELLENTS ARE SAFE TO USE?

Ans. - EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends the use of repellent containing one of the following active agents: DEET, Picaridin, and IR3535. When used as directed, repellents containing these agents are highly effective and protect against mosquitoes. Besides these, other natural mosquito repellents are oil of lemon eucalyptus, cinnamon oil, thyme oil, soybean oil, etc. are also proven to be effective.

WHERE DO MOST OUTBREAKS OF DENGUE OCCUR?

Ans. - Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection, found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas than in rural and tribal areas. The factors precipitating dengue outbreaks are an influx of people, increased construction, and ongoing travel of humans and mosquitoes, water bodies around human habitation, and lack of effective mosquito control. Improper waste management, open potholes, uncovered water containers, unhygienic sanitation, and weak public health infrastructure are some other factors responsible for the surge in dengue cases.

CAN ONE TREAT DENGUE WITH ANTIBIOTICS?

Ans. - Antibiotics are used against bacteria and they are non-effective against viruses. The only treatment against dengue is preventive and supportive care. There are currently no dengue vaccination or antiviral drugs available. Trials are ongoing to find a therapy that will stop the multiplication and replication of the virus.

IS DENGUE A DEADLY DISEASE? CAN ONE DIE FROM DENGUE FEVER?

Ans. - Dengue is self-manageable if diagnosed at the right time. The prognosis of the disease is usually good. The symptoms usually last for 1-2 weeks and most patients recover fully within a month. Dengue fever if left untreated, the mortality rate is as high as 20%.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ACQUIRING DENGUE?

Ans. - There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. The most effective preventive measures which can be adopted are to eliminate mosquito habitats, keep doors and windows closed as much as possible, protect your skin from mosquito bites by less exposure or by using mosquito repellents, avoid visiting areas prone to mosquitoes, and be vigilant.

HOW CAN WE PREVENT EPIDEMICS OF DENGUE HAEMORRHAGIC FEVER (DHF)?

Ans. - The focus of dengue prevention is on long-term, community-based, integrated mosquito control, with a low reliance on insecticides (chemical larvicides and adulticides). To prevent epidemics of dengue hemorrhagic fever, a coordinated community effort is required to raise awareness about how to control the mosquito that transmits it. Residents should be held accountable for keeping their homes and surroundings mosquito-free by emptying and cleaning waters containers once a week. Items that collect rainwater or are used to store water (such as plastic containers, drums, buckets, or used automobile tyres) should be covered or disposed off properly. Watering containers for pets and animals, as well as vases with fresh flowers, should be emptied and scrub dried at least once a week. This will kill the mosquito eggs and larvae, reducing the number of mosquitoes in the areas.

CAN DENGUE FEVER SPREAD THROUGH SALIVA?

Ans. - The answer is NO. Dengue is a vector-borne disease. When the mosquito bites a person who is infected with dengue, the mosquito becomes the carrier, carrying the virus. When this mosquito bites a healthy person, it transmits the virus into the blood while sucking blood. Dengue is a non-communicable disease and does not spread by touching.

WHAT DOES THE DENGUE FEVER ANTIBODY TEST MEAN?

Ans.  - Dengue fever test is used to find out if you have been infected with the dengue virus. Dengue fever antibody test detects the presence of antibodies against the virus. The antibodies developed are IgG and IgM. Detection of IgG means the person has had dengue infection in the past, while on the other hand detection of IgM means current infection. However, detection of antibodies alone does not prove dengue infection; it should be combined with clinical symptoms manifested by the patients and its history

If you have any of the following queries related to dengue, book an appointment today with Aakash Healthcare.

• * Dengue symptoms
• * Causes of Dengue
• * Dengue treatment or best hospital for dengue treatment
• * Dengue test price
• * Dengue test in Delhi