Travel Vaccines
Dengue Fever vaccine
Dengue fever is a viral illness spread mainly by Aedes mosquitoes and is becoming an increasing global health issue. With an estimated 390 million cases each year, it presents a major risk to populations in tropical and subtropical areas. This virus, part of the Flaviviridae family, is marked by a sudden fever, intense joint and muscle pain, rash, and flu-like symptoms.
Signs & Symptoms
Although most cases of dengue result in mild illness, some individuals may develop severe complications, including:
• Dengue hemorrhagic fever
• Dengue shock syndrome
• Organ failure or death
How can you catch Dengue fever
Dengue fever is spread through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, that carry the dengue virus. When these mosquitoes bite an infected person, they become carriers of the virus. Later, they can transmit the virus to others through subsequent bites. Traveling to areas with dengue outbreaks and being exposed to infected mosquitoes is a common way to contract the disease. Dengue is not transmitted directly from person to person; mosquitoes are the primary vectors in the transmission cycle.
How is Dengue fever treated
Historically, there was no specific antiviral treatment for dengue, making mosquito control essential for prevention. However, a vaccine (Qdenga) has now been licensed and is available in the UK. The vaccine addresses dengue’s complex nature, with four distinct serotypes, and takes into account that prior infection with one serotype can increase the severity of later infections with another.
Combatting dengue fever requires a comprehensive approach, combining vaccination, public health efforts, research, and community education to reduce transmission and lessen the impact of this debilitating and potentially fatal disease.
How do you catch Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, especially the Aedes aegypti species. The process begins when a female mosquito, already infected with the dengue virus, bites a person. These mosquitoes are most active during the day, with peak activity in the early morning and late afternoon. When the mosquito feeds, it injects the dengue virus into the bloodstream, where it replicates and spreads throughout the body.
After being bitten, individuals may not experience immediate symptoms due to an incubation period of 4 to 10 days, during which the virus multiplies. As the infection develops, symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, rashes, and in some cases, bleeding from the gums or nose, may appear.
It’s important to understand that dengue fever is not transmitted directly from person to person. Instead, the virus depends on mosquitoes to spread. Preventing dengue involves reducing mosquito breeding sites, using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and employing public health measures to control mosquito populations. In areas where dengue is common, these efforts are essential to reducing the risk of infection.
Who is at risk from it
People living in or traveling to regions where dengue fever is common, such as Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, and parts of Central and South America, are at risk of contracting the disease. The Aedes mosquito is the primary vector in these tropical and subtropical areas. Anyone in these regions, particularly those without prior exposure or vaccination, is vulnerable. Travelers from non-endemic areas also face a higher risk. Pregnant women and individuals with certain medical conditions are more likely to experience severe complications and should take extra precautions. Community efforts to control mosquito populations and raise awareness are key in reducing the risk of dengue.
Symptoms
Dengue fever typically begins with a sudden high fever (up to 104°F/40°C), severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, and pain behind the eyes. A rash may develop, often accompanied by mild bleeding from the gums or nose, along with fatigue, weakness, and abdominal pain. While most cases are mild and manageable with rest and hydration, severe forms like dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome can cause life-threatening complications, including bleeding and organ failure. Prompt medical attention is crucial for monitoring and managing severe cases.
