Dengue

Disease and transmission –Dengue, caused by the Dengue virus, is spread by the Aedes mosquitoes which bite during the day. Dengue occurs in tropical and sub-tropical urban and semi-urban areas with cases now reported in Europe. It is thought around 50% of the global population is at risk of Dengue. There are four subtypes of the virus.

Symptoms – Occur 5-8 days after exposure and 75% people have no symptoms on first infeciton. Symptoms can include high fever, severe headache and pain behind the eyes, muscle and bone pains (Dengue is also called ‘Breakbone fever’), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Three to four days into the illness a red patchy bumpy rash may appear on the body and limbs and symptoms usually resolve 3-4 days after the rash appears.

5% of people on initial infection experience severe disease - warning signs can include abdominal pain, bleeding gums. persistent vomiting and lethargy. If you are worried - get medical help. If you have a medical condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure or asthma then you are at higher risk of severe disease.

If you have had Dengue you have lifelong immunity to the subtypes which caused your infection, but NOT the three other types. If you are reinfected with a different subtype of Dengue, there is the possibility of developing severe Dengue, also known as Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever.

Prevention – Avoid mosquito bites from dawn to dusk. Wear long loose fitting clothes, use insect repellent, sleep under a mosquito net. Qdenga is a vaccine licensed in the UK for prevention of Dengue.

Vaccination - Suitable for 4 years old and over. One dose provides around 81% protection against the virus subtypes and two doses 95% protection for at least 12 months. Protection has been demonstrated up to 4.5 years after both doses but research has not yet shown if a booster is needed.

Treatment – There is no specific treatment other than managing the symptoms and complications of infection. Rehydrate with rehydration solutions and manage fever with paracetamol (but avoid aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen). Seek medical help.

Further information is available online here or get in touch to book a consultation.