Dengue: a mosquito-borne disease

 Dengue: a mosquito-borne disease

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness and sometimes causing a potentially (m¤¢ve¨) lethal (gvivZ¥K) complication called severe dengue. Approximately, half of the world’s population is at risk and it affects infants, young children and adults. Bangladesh is one of the countries that are affected by dengue viruses. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the main vector that transmits the virus that causes dengue. The vector “Aedes” mosquito breeds (ev”Pv †`Iqv) in stagnant (‡bvsiv) water and rainwater. The virus is passed to humans through the bites of an infective female Aedes mosquito, which mainly acquires the virus while feeding on the blood of an infected person. The full life cycle of dengue fever virus involves the role of mosquitoes as a vector and humans as the main victim and source of infection. The virus circulates in the blood of an infected person for 2 to 7 days, at approximately the same time that the person develops a fever. Patients who are already infected with the dengue virus can transmit the infection via Aedes mosquitoes after the first symptoms appear which normally occur within 4 to 5 days to maximum 12 days. The main symptoms of the virus are:

·        Severe headache

·        Pain behind the eyes

·        Nausea (ewg ewg fve)

·        Swollen glands (Mj MÛ)

·        Muscle and joint pains

·        Rash (Pg©‡ivMwe‡kl)

So, we must be vigilant in keeping our household areas clean. We must not allow to water stagnant in flowerpots, vases, tyres and puddles. Besides, we must protect ourselves from mosquito-bites. We have to use mosquito nets. Above all, we must consult a doctor if any fever persists for days.