Dengue Fever: What You Need to Know

Dengue Fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that has been increasingly reported in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Ghana. Health experts warn that awareness, prevention, and timely medical care are crucial to reducing the risk of severe illness.

Causes

Dengue Fever is caused by the Dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are most active during the day, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon.

Symptoms

The disease typically manifests 4 to 10 days after a mosquito bite. Common symptoms include:

• Sudden high fever
• Severe headache, often behind the eyes
• Muscle and joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash covering much of the body
• Fatigue and mild bleeding (such as nosebleeds or gum bleeding)

In severe cases, known as Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, the infection can cause bleeding, low blood pressure, organ damage, and, if untreated, death.

Prevention

Since there is no specific antiviral treatment for Dengue, prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites and controlling mosquito populations:

• Eliminate Breeding Sites: Remove standing water in containers, old tires, buckets, and other places where mosquitoes can breed.
• Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks, especially during peak mosquito activity hours.
• Use Insect Repellents: Apply mosquito repellents on exposed skin and treated nets over beds, even during the day.
• Community Action: Encourage communal efforts to clean public spaces, ensuring proper drainage and waste management.

Treatment and Outlook

There is no specific cure for Dengue Fever; treatment is supportive and focuses on relieving symptoms. Patients are advised to rest, stay hydrated, and use fever-reducing medications under medical supervision. Early medical attention is critical, especially in cases of severe dengue, to prevent complications and fatalities.

Health authorities in Ghana continue to monitor mosquito populations and outbreaks, urging citizens to remain vigilant, particularly during the rainy season when mosquito breeding intensifies.

With preventive measures and prompt medical care, Dengue Fever can be managed effectively, minimizing the risk to individuals and communities.