Dengue Fever Vaccination Oxford 

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted primarily by mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species. It is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. Dengue fever is caused by any of the four dengue virus serotypes (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4), and it is characterised by symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding (such as nose or gum bleeding). In severe cases, it can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which are potentially life-threatening conditions characterised by bleeding, low platelet count, and plasma leakage. There is no specific treatment for dengue fever, but supportive care can help manage symptoms. Prevention primarily involves mosquito control measures and, to a lesser extent, vaccines where available

How can you contract Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is primarily contracted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, especially in urban and semi-urban areas.

When a mosquito bites a person infected with the dengue virus, it can become infected itself. Subsequently, when this infected mosquito bites another person, it can transmit the virus to them, thus causing dengue fever.

However, the primary mode of transmission remains the bite of infected mosquitoes. Therefore, preventing mosquito bites through measures such as using insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and using mosquito nets can significantly reduce the risk of contracting dengue fever. Additionally, controlling mosquito breeding sites, such as stagnant water sources around homes and communities, is crucial in preventing the spread of the disease.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

Dengue fever typically presents with symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and a skin rash. Mild bleeding, like nosebleeds or gum bleeding, may also occur. In severe cases, dengue can lead to complications such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), characterised by severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, restlessness, cold or clammy skin, and bleeding from the nose or gums, among other symptoms. Early recognition and medical intervention are crucial, especially in severe cases, to prevent potentially life-threatening outcomes.

How is Dengue Fever treated?

Treatment for dengue fever primarily focuses on relieving symptoms and providing supportive care. This typically includes adequate hydration to prevent dehydration, rest, and pain relief medications such as paracetamol to alleviate fever and discomfort. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen should be avoided due to the risk of bleeding. 

In severe cases, hospitalisation may be necessary for close monitoring and intravenous fluid replacement therapy to manage dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Patients with severe dengue complications such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS) may require intensive medical intervention, including blood transfusions and supportive measures to stabilise blood pressure and prevent organ damage. Early detection and prompt medical care are essential to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

How to prevent Dengue Fever?

Preventing dengue fever primarily involves controlling mosquito populations and avoiding mosquito bites. This includes eliminating stagnant water sources where mosquitoes breed, such as containers, flower pots, and tires, and using mosquito repellents and protective clothing, especially during peak mosquito activity times. Community-wide efforts for mosquito control, such as insecticide spraying and environmental management, are also important. 

Additionally, travellers to dengue-endemic areas should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, such as staying in accommodations with screened windows, using bed nets, and wearing long-sleeved clothing. While a dengue vaccine is available in some regions, its effectiveness can vary, and it is not universally accessible. Therefore, preventing mosquito bites remains the primary method of dengue fever prevention.

Countries that have Dengue Fever

Dengue fever affects numerous countries across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Regions with high incidence rates include Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Pacific Islands, parts of Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East. Countries such as Brazil, India, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Mexico often report significant numbers of dengue cases. 

However, dengue transmission can occur in many other countries within the range of its primary mosquito vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Travellers to affected regions should be vigilant about mosquito bite prevention to reduce the risk of contracting dengue fever.