WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DENGUE FEVER
Here in the Tampa Bay Florida area, recent hurricanes Helene and Milton have left standing water around which leads to an increase in mosquitoes. Recent news releases have reported cases of Dengue Fever after these hurricanes. Here is some useful information for our patients and community regarding Dengue Fever to educate you and help you in battling this mosquito borne disease. As usual, our Primary Care doctor in Tampa stands ready to help you and answer any questions you may have.
Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted primarily by mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species. It is common in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including
parts of Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. In recent years, it has also spread to areas like Florida in the United States.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DENGUE FEVER?
The symptoms typically appear 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can include:
• High fever
• Severe headache, often behind the eyes
• Pain in the joints and muscles (hence the name "breakbone fever")
• Rash, which may appear a few days after the fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness
In some cases, the infection can lead to more severe forms, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF DENGUE VIRUS?
There are four different strains of the dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4). After infection with one strain, a person typically develops immunity to that strain but can still be infected by the other three strains. In fact, a person who has been previously infected with one strain of the virus has a higher risk of developing severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome) if they get infected with a different strain later on.
HOW IS DENGUE FEVER TRANSMITTED?
Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. These mosquitoes typically breed in standing water found in containers like buckets, tires, and puddles.
Dengue fever is also transmitted when a mosquito bites a person who is infected with the dengue virus and then bites a healthy person, passing the virus along. The virus cannot be transmitted directly from person to person. Instead, mosquitoes serve as the intermediary host, and they acquire the virus from biting an infected person. Once the mosquito is infected, it can spread the virus to others.
HOW IS DENGUE FEVER TREATED?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever. Management typically involves:
• Pain relievers (like acetaminophen) for fever and pain
• Fluids to prevent dehydration
• Rest to help recover
In severe cases, hospitalization may be required, especially if the patient experiences complications like severe bleeding, organ damage, or shock. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or believe you may have been exposed to mosquitoes or have mosquito bites and would like to get checked, then our Primary Care Doctor in Tampa is available.
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT GETTING DENGUE FEVER?
Preventing dengue fever involves reducing mosquito exposure and eliminating mosquito breeding sites:
• Using mosquito repellents (DEET is commonly recommended)
• Wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and pants)
• Using bed nets in areas with a high mosquito presence
• Eliminating standing water around homes where mosquitoes can breed
Since dengue fever is a viral infection, there is currently no specific vaccine for general use (though some countries have approved vaccines for certain populations). The best defense is reducing exposure to mosquitoes and controlling their populations.
Here at Vital Advanced Medical Center, our Primary Care Doctors are ready to help our community stay healthy in this season of recovery after the hurricanes. If you have any questions or need to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact us.