Dengue

What is dengue fever?

Dengue fever, sometimes called “break-bone fever,” is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes. Unlike malaria, which is spread by Anopheles mosquitoes, dengue fever is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. This disease is common in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Africa.

Dengue is a serious health concern worldwide. Every year, up to 400 million people get infected, with around 100 million developing symptoms and 40,000 people dying from severe cases. In Africa, outbreaks have been recorded in countries like Ghana, Kenya, and Sudan, showing that this disease is a growing threat to public health.

How is dengue fever spread?

Dengue fever spreads when a mosquito bites an infected person and then carries the virus to another person. Here’s how it happens:

  • A mosquito bites someone who has dengue fever and picks up the virus.
  • The infected mosquito then bites a healthy person and transfers the virus.
  • The virus multiplies in the new person’s body, and symptoms appear after a few days.

Dengue fever cannot spread directly from person to person like the flu. However, in rare cases, a pregnant mother can pass it to her baby during childbirth.

How common is dengue fever in Africa?

Dengue fever is becoming more common in Africa due to rapid urbanization, poor drainage systems, and increased mosquito breeding sites. Outbreaks have occurred in countries such as:

  • Kenya (2011, 2013, 2017)
  • Ghana (2010, 2014)
  • Sudan (2010, 2019)

With climate change and increased travel, dengue cases are expected to rise across the continent.

What are the symptoms of dengue fever?

Symptoms usually appear 4 to 10 days after infection and can range from mild to severe.

Dengue fever can sometimes be mistaken for malaria because both cause high fever.

Mild symptoms include:

  • Sudden high fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F)
  • Severe headache
  • Pain behind the eyes
  • Muscle and joint pain (hence the name “break-bone fever”)
  • Skin rashes
  • Nausea and vomiting

Severe dengue (also called dengue hemorrhagic fever) can cause:

  • Intense stomach pain
  • Severe vomiting (three or more times in 24 hours)
  • Bleeding from the nose or gums
  • Blood in stool or vomit
  • Restlessness or fatigue

If you or someone you know has these severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

How is dengue fever diagnosed?

Doctors can diagnose dengue fever through:

  • Blood tests that detect the virus
  • Antibody tests that check for a past infection

Early diagnosis is crucial, especially in areas where both malaria and dengue are present.

How can dengue fever be treated?

There is no specific cure for dengue fever, but treatment focuses on relieving symptoms:

  • Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
  • Use paracetamol (acetaminophen) to reduce fever and pain. Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
  • Get plenty of rest.

In severe cases, hospitalization may be required to manage complications.

How can dengue fever be prevented?

Prevention is the best way to avoid dengue fever. Here’s how you can protect yourself and your family:

Avoid mosquito bites:

  • Sleep under a mosquito net.
  • Wear long-sleeved clothing, especially in the evening and early morning when Aedes mosquitoes are most active.
  • Use insect repellents on exposed skin.

Control mosquito breeding:

  • Empty stagnant water from containers, tires, and flower pots.
  • Cover water storage containers tightly.
  • Keep your surroundings clean to prevent mosquito breeding.

Vaccination:

  • A vaccine called dengvaxia is now available in some countries, but it is not yet widely used in Africa.

Why should Africans take dengue fever seriously?

Many people in Africa are familiar with malaria but may not know about dengue fever.

However, dengue fever can be just as dangerous. With increasing reports of outbreaks in African countries, awareness, prevention, and early treatment are crucial to stopping the spread.

By taking simple steps to protect yourself and your family, you can reduce the risk of dengue fever and stay healthy. If you experience symptoms, don’t ignore them, visit a hospital or health center immediately.