Dengue Fever is a viral infection that spreads from mosquito bites to people. It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates. The most common symptoms are high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash. Most cases of dengue fever are mild and go away on their own after about a week. In severe cases, dengue can be fatal.
Dengue fever is caused by one of any of four related viruses; Dengue virus 1, 2, 3, and 4. Spread by female mosquitoes of the genus Aedes (Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus), which are common in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. A person can be infected with a dengue virus as many as four times in his or her lifetime.
When an Aedes mosquito bites a person who has been infected with a dengue virus, the mosquito can become a carrier of the virus. If this mosquito bites someone else, that person can be infected with the dengue virus and can then get sick with dengue fever. The virus cannot spread directly from person to person. In rare cases, dengue fever can lead to a more serious form of the disease called dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). DHF can be life-threatening and needs to be treated right away.
Children are included in the group of individuals who are susceptible to dengue fever. This is because children tend to do outdoor activities, so they are easy to be bitten by mosquitoes and their immune system is still developing.
Most dengue has mild or no symptoms and will get better in 1–2 weeks. Symptoms of dengue fever are generally mild in younger children and those who have the disease for the first time. Older kids, adults, and those who have had a previous infection may have moderate to severe symptoms. If symptoms occur, they usually begin 4–10 days after infection and last for 2–7 days. Symptoms may include:
- High fever (40°C/104°F)
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pains
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Swollen glands
- Rash
If the children develop any of the warning signs include severe stomach pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or blood in your nose, gums, vomit, or stools. Seek immediate medical attention.
There is no specific treatment is available for dengue fever. Mild cases are managed with lots of fluids to prevent dehydration and getting plenty of rest. Pain relievers with acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) can ease the headaches and pain from dengue fever. Pain relievers with aspirin or ibuprofen should be avoided, as they can make bleeding more likely. Besides giving acetaminophen, to control the fever, Compress the body on the armpits, head, and groin. These sections contain large blood vessels. Compressing the area can reduce the fever. Early detection and access to proper medical care greatly lower fatality rates of severe dengue.
Early detection of dengue fever can be done by conducting a rapid test for dengue with the ACCU-TELL® Dengue IgG/IgM/NS1 Combo Cassette (Whole Blood/Serum/Plasma) . This rapid test has passed clinical trials and the results are:
- IgG/IgM test: 95.7% sensitivity, >99.9% specificity and 99.3% accuracy
- NS1 test: 95.8% sensitivity, 96.2% specificity and 96.1% accuracy
So that ACCU-TELL® Dengue IgG/IgM/NS1 Combo Cassette (Whole Blood/Serum/Plasma) can properly detect the presence of IgG/IgM and NS1 antibodies in whole blood, serum, or plasma against Dengue virus in just 10 minutes.
In 1 box already contains equipment that is complete enough to carry out the test; 15 Test Cassettes, 15 Droppers, 1 Buffer Bottle, Insert Pack. To get this product, please contact us at the contact listed on the website.
Gambar 1. ACCU-TELL® Dengue IgG/IgM/NS1 Combo Cassette (Whole Blood/Serum/Plasma)
Apart from being cured, dengue fever can also be prevented. Preventing mosquito bites is still very important protection. Be sure to:
- Use screens on doors and windows, and promptly repair broken or damaged screens. Keep unscreened doors and windows shut.
- Have kids wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks when they go outside, and use mosquito netting over their beds at night.
- Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
- Use insect repellent as directed on kids. Choose one with DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Limit the amount of time kids spend outside during the day, especially in the hours around dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water to breed. It is important to get rid of standing water in things like old containers and tires, and be sure to change the water in birdbaths, dog bowls, and flower vases at least once a week.
Keep children & families away from dengue fever outbreaks by taking the preventive measures.
Reference:
- CDC. (2023). Dengue
- KidsHealth.org. (2022). Dengue Fever
- Mayo Clinic. (2022). Dengue Fever
- WHO. (2023). Dengue and severe dengue
