Causes and Risk Factors of Dengue Fever
The virus subtypes that cause dengue fever are spread by female mosquitoes of the species Aedes aegypti, and less commonly by Aedes albopictus.
According to the World Health Organization, Aedes mosquitoes are usually found in urban and suburban areas, as they like to breed in man-made containers such as tires, flowerpots, and household water containers.They bite during the day, especially near dawn and dusk.
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Aedes albopictus mosquitos have been transported from tropical countries to North America and Europe, and these mosquitos can survive in cold temperatures, which has allowed dengue to spread to cooler climates.
Some research has shown that people of European or Asian ancestry may be more prone to developing severe dengue infection than other racial groups.
Treatment and Medication Options for Dengue Fever
As with most viruses, treatment options for dengue will only manage its symptoms.
Pain relievers and fever reducers that don't make bleeding worse may be taken, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen).
To stay hydrated, drink plenty of water or drinks with added electrolytes.
Severe dengue may require intravenous (IV) fluids and electrolyte replacement, blood pressure monitoring, and even a blood transfusion, if there's significant blood loss.
Prevention of Dengue Fever
Dengue does not spread directly from person to person, but a person sick with dengue can infect mosquitoes in the area, and those mosquitoes will become contagious to other humans within 8 to 12 days.
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Preventing Mosquito Bites
The primary way to prevent infection with dengue is to prevent mosquito bites in geographic regions where dengue is present. Light-colored clothing and insect repellent can help, as can window screens and mosquito netting.
Source Reduction at Mosquito Breeding Sites
Preventive measures are often geared at eliminating Aedes females' egg-laying sites, a method called "source reduction." Anything that contains standing water can be used by Aedes for laying eggs, from plant saucers to rainwater drums and potholes. Water containers should be kept covered. Unnecessary containers should be disposed of, and necessary water containers should be emptied and scrubbed weekly to remove mosquito eggs.
Infecting Mosquitoes With Competing Bacteria
A recent study has used a genus of bacteria called Wolbachia to infect mosquitoes and compete against the viruses that might infect humans, with promising results, according to the WHO.
Wolbachia bacteria are harmless to humans and also to mosquitoes, but the bacteria make it more difficult for mosquitoes to transmit dengue viruses (DENV) or other viruses that are similar to dengue. One research study showed a 77 percent reduction in dengue cases where Wolbachia-infected Aedes mosquitoes were released, translating into a fourfold reduction in illness from dengue.
Dengvaxia Vaccine
A vaccine called Dengvaxia received very limited approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2019.
The FDA has approved the vaccine to be given to people who:
- Are age 9 to 16
- Live in areas where dengue is endemic; endemic areas under the FDA’s purview include the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
- Have previously been infected with dengue, as shown by medical records or a blood test that shows immunity
