Dengue fever is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that bite to suck human blood during the daytime. If bitten by an Aedes mosquito carrying the dengue virus, symptoms will begin to appear about 5-8 days later.
Dengue Fever is Caused by a Virus
Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which has 4 serotypes: dengue-1, dengue-2, dengue-3, and dengue-4. It is transmitted to humans through bites from Aedes mosquitoes carrying these viruses.
How Many Stages Does Dengue Fever Have?
Based on the symptoms, dengue fever can be divided into 3 stages as follows:
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- High fever stage: At the onset, there will be a high fever of 38-40 degrees Celsius lasting 2-7 days. It can be observed that the face is flushed, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Some may have red spots on the body, arms, and legs.
- Critical stage: Occurs around days 3-6. Patients may have an enlarged liver and feel pain when pressed. The fever will start to decrease, but patients will feel lethargic, sweat, have cold hands and feet, a weak but rapid pulse, abdominal pain, and may bleed easily, such as nosebleeds, vomiting blood or black stools. Some cases may be severe, leading to low blood pressure, shock, and possibly death.
- Recovery stage: This is the stage where plasma returns to the bloodstream. General symptoms improve, appetite returns, blood pressure rises, pulse improves, and urination improves.
If You Have These Symptoms, See a Doctor Immediately
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- Worsening symptoms when the fever subsides or still feeling weak after the fever goes down
- Abnormal bleeding
- Severe vomiting
- Severe abdominal pain
- Lethargy, not drinking water, some may be very thirsty
- Signs of shock, restlessness, irritability, or excessive crying in young children
- Behavioral changes, such as incoherent speech
- Delirium, cold body, sweating, red spots on the body
Dengue Fever… Can Be Prevented
Knowing that dengue fever is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, taking precautions to prevent yourself and children at home from mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding sites will help reduce the risk of the disease as follows:
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- Eliminate larvae and reduce Aedes mosquito breeding sites around the house or cooperate with the community
- Collect and destroy containers with standing water or waste that may serve as mosquito breeding sites by burying or burning them, or turn containers upside down and store them in dry places if not in use
- Add saltwater, vinegar, or detergent to water in trays under cupboards to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs
- Get vaccinated against dengue fever
How Dengue Fever Vaccine Benefits Children and the Elderly
The dengue fever vaccine is used to prevent dengue fever caused by dengue virus serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4. It can be administered to children aged 9 years and older up to 45 years old. The vaccine is given in 3 doses at 0, 6, and 12 months. After completing the vaccination, it has been found to prevent dengue fever by 65.6%, reduce disease severity by 92.9%, and reduce hospitalization rates by 80.8%.
Parents interested in having their children vaccinated can consult a pediatrician for advice regarding the dengue fever vaccine.
