Combatting Dengue Fever: A Comprehensive Prevention Strategy

Dengue fever, a menacing mosquito bites illness, has been increasingly capturing global attention due to its potential to cause severe symptoms and complications. Although many cases of dengue present mild symptoms, it’s imperative to discern the warning signs of severe dengue, which can escalate into life-threatening conditions if not addressed promptly.

Recognizing Warning Signs

Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, fatigue, difficulty in breathing, intense headaches behind the eyes, severe joint and muscle pain, rashes, and lethargy are all indicative of severe dengue. These symptoms necessitate immediate medical attention as they could signal internal bleeding, dehydration, dropping blood platelets, organ impairment, shock, or other grave complications associated with the disease [1, 2].

Management and Treatment

Prompt medical attention is crucial if any of these warning signs manifest. Early hospitalization, intravenous fluids, and appropriate medical interventions are pivotal in managing severe dengue and averting further complications. Applying gentle pressure to bleeding sites, refraining from activities exacerbating bleeding, and diligently following medical advice are critical steps in managing the condition [2, 3].

Medical Intervention

Upon seeking medical assistance, doctors may conduct blood tests to evaluate platelet count and other factors related to bleeding and clotting. Treatment may encompass medications to increase platelet count, control internal bleeding, alleviate joint and muscle pain, or address underlying causes of complications [4,5].

Self-Care During Recovery

Self-care plays a pivotal role in aiding recovery from dengue fever. Prioritizing rest, staying hydrated, maintaining a nutritious diet, avoiding raw or partially cooked foods and high intake of sugary drinks, abstaining from strenuous activities, refraining from pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications, and adhering to prescribed medications are essential for supporting the body’s healing process and preventing complications during recovery [2].

Preventive Measures

Prevention stands as the cornerstone in combating dengue fever. Utilizing mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, using insecticide-treated bed nets, engaging in community-wide efforts, and advocating and educating about dengue prevention are pivotal strategies in reducing the risk of contracting the disease [2].

1. Mosquito Repellents: Opt for repellents containing active ingredients like DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Regular application during outdoor activities or in mosquito-prone areas significantly reduces the likelihood of mosquito bites [6].
2. Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks, and light-colored clothing outdoors to  minimize exposed skin during peak mosquito bites activity periods [2,6].
3. Elimination of Breeding Sites: Regularly inspect and empty containers collecting water, ensure proper drainage, and maintain clean, chlorinated swimming pools to thwart mosquito breeding [2,6].
4. Use of Bed Nets: Employ insecticide-treated bed nets, especially in areas with high mosquito populations, to deter nocturnal mosquito bites [2,6].
5. Importance of Community Efforts: Municipal authorities and public health agencies play a vital role in implementing vector control strategies to reduce mosquito populations and minimize dengue transmission within communities [5,7].
6. Advocacy and Education: Raising awareness about dengue fever and its preventive measures through educational campaigns is crucial in fostering a vigilant approach to disease prevention [5,8]

By adopting these preventive measures and actively participating in community-wide efforts, individuals and communities can effectively combat the threat of dengue fever and safeguard their health and well-being.

References

1. Barrera R, Gallo CL. Dengue epidemics and climate change. Global Change and Human Health. 2021;6(2):149-163.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dengue fever [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2024 Apr 29]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/index.html
3. Bhatt S, Kumar S, Sharma SK. Management of bleeding in dengue. J Clin Diagnostic Res. 2013;7(8):1610-1613. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2013/6891.3222
4. World Health Organization. Dengue and severe dengue [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2024 Apr 29]. Available from: https://www.who.int/health-topics/dengue-and-severe-dengue8
5. World Health Organization. Dengue: Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control; 2017.
6. Environmental Protection Agency. Insect Repellents [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2024 Apr 29]. Available from: https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents
7. Lederman RI, Phong TV, Waugh M. Community-based environmental interventions for dengue control: a systematic review. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2010;83(1 Suppl):1-11. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.2010.09-0834
8. Aguiar HV, Maciel-de-Freitas R, Paxton H. Community engagement for dengue prevention and control. Trop Med Infect Dis. 2019;4(1):12.