Dengue Fever: A Mosquito-Borne Infection
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne infection that affects more than half of the world’s population, with 100-400 million cases occurring each year. The disease is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito and can affect people of all ages, with severity varying based on a person’s age and health status.
Transmission of Dengue Mosquito
The Aedes mosquito can breed in relatively clean water sources, making it possible to develop in urban areas. The mosquito is also a daytime feeder, making it difficult to control compared to malaria. Mosquito repellent measures at night cannot prevent Aedes mosquito bites.
Effects on Different Age Groups
Children often experience more severe symptoms than adults and are at risk of developing dengue shock syndrome, a life-threatening complication. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is another life-threatening condition that can cause bleeding, shock, and organ failure, and is most common in children under 15 years of age. Older adults may have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to severe dengue infections. In addition to the usual symptoms, elderly patients may experience confusion, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
Youngsters and adolescents are not immune to severe dengue infections, but experience milder symptoms compared to older adults. Symptoms of dengue include high fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, and in some cases, severe dehydration.
Preventive Measures and Seeking Medical Help
It is important to take preventive measures such as using mosquito repellent, wearing protective clothing, and removing standing water where mosquitoes breed to protect oneself from dengue fever. If you experience symptoms of dengue, such as fever, headache, joint pain, or rash, you should consult a doctor immediately.
#Consequences #dengue #age #groups