Some facts on: dengue
- Transmitted through the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected by one of the four dengue virus serotypes
- Symptoms appear 3 – 14 days after bite
- Cannot be transmitted from person to person
- Symptoms include: mild to high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, and rash.
- Symptoms of severe dengue (also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever which is common among children) causes: fever, abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding and breathing difficulty
- 40% of the world’s population is at risk from dengue.
- Dengue mostly occurs in tropical countries such as Malaysia, the Pacific Islands and Mexico
- People with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for developing dengue hemorrhagic fever.
- There are no vaccines for dengue nor is there a specific medication to treat it
- If you suspect you have dengue, see your doctor immediately
To protect yourself:
- Avoid spending time in heavily populated area
- Use mosquito repellents, including when indoors
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks when outdoors
- Use air conditioning
- Use mosquito nets in sleeping areas, and make sure your windows and door screens are free from holes
(Adapted from the World Health Organisation and Web MD)
