DENGUE FEVER

Condition: Dengue fever, an infection that causes flu-like symptoms in its victims, is spread by the bite of the Aedes mosquito. There are an estimated 50 million infections each year. It is most
prevalent in sub-tropical regions, especially in South-east Asia and the Western Pacific. Dengue haemorrhagic fever is a more dangerous, often fatal form of dengue fever. In some Asian countries, dengue haemorrhagic fever is the leading cause of serious illness and death
in children.
Causes: Dengue fever is spread by the bite of the Aedes mosquito. The mosquito becomes infected with the virus by biting an infected human. Once infected, the mosquito is capable of transmitting the virus to humans for the rest of its life. It may also pass the virus down to it's offspring. The virus cannot be spread form human to human.
Effects: Dengue fever causes flu-like symptoms in its victims. High fever, headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, stomach pains, vomiting and rash are common. Symptoms usually subside within one week. However, symptoms of dengue haemorrhagic fever are more severe and can lead to liver enlargement and circulatory failure. Without treatment, victims can die within 24 hours.
Treatment: Since dengue fever is a virus, there is no specific treatment. No drug can cure it, but symptoms can be managed. In the case of dengue haemorrhagic fever, hospitalization is imperative so that doctors may maintain the patient's circulating fluid volume. Since treatment of the virus is so difficult, prevention is the most useful weapon. People in endemic regions can use preventative measures such as using mosquito nets and avoiding standing water (mosquito breeding ground). In addition, chemical vector control methods have proved effective.
Recent News about Dengue Fever:
Experts Seek Ways to Fight Dengue Fever in Asia
Scientific Global Symposium on Dengue Fever Held in Philippines
Dengue Fever Cases Rise to 24,857 in Sri Lanka
First Human Trials for Recombinant Dengue Fever Vaccine

If YOU want to do something about Dengue Fever, YOU can support these organizations:
International Vaccine Institute (Pediatric Dengue Vaccine Initiative)