What
is dengue fever?
Dengue fever is a
mosquito-borne disease caused by a virus. The disease is mainly
tropical in origin but occasionally residents or visitors from
other countries may arrive in this country with dengue fever.
Although cases originating in the United States are virtually
unknown, epidemic levels have recently been reported in parts
of the Caribbean and Central America.
Who gets
dengue fever?
Dengue fever may
occur in people of all ages who are exposed to infected mosquitoes.
The disease occurs mainly in tropical Asia and the Caribbean,
usually during the rainy seasons in areas with high numbers
of infected mosquitoes.
How is dengue
fever spread?
Dengue fever is spread
by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.
What are
the symptoms of dengue fever?
Dengue fever is characterized
by the rapid development of a fever that may last from five
to seven days with intense headache, joint and muscle pain and
a rash. The rash develops on the feet or legs three to four
days after the beginning of the fever. The hemorrhagic form
of dengue fever is more severe and associated with loss of appetite,
vomiting, high fever, headache and abdominal pain. Shock and
circulatory failure may occur. Untreated hemorrhagic dengue
results in death in up to 50 percent of cases.
How soon
do symptoms appear?
Dengue fever may
occur from three to 14 days after exposure to an infected mosquito,
commonly within four to seven days.
Does past
infection with dengue virus make a person immune?
Infection with one
of the four strains of dengue virus usually produces immunity
to that strain but does not provide protection against the other
strains.
What is the
treatment for dengue fever?
There is no specific
treatment available. Intravenous fluids and oxygen therapy are
often used for patients who experience shock during their illness.
What can
be done to prevent the spread of dengue fever?
Since,
cases of dengue in the United States are imported, control measures
are limited to advising travelers to affected areas to minimize
exposure to infected mosquitoes. Use of mosquito netting and
repellents may be helpful in minimizing exposure.
Where
can I get more information?
- Your
personal doctor
- Your
local health department, listed in your telephone directory
- The
Utah Department of Health, Office of Epidemiology (801)
538-6191
UTAH
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
OFFICE OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
July 2003
