Posted by ASEAN Dengue Day is celebrated on 15 June 2023 to raise awareness among the general public about the threat of dengue fever. This year, the theme for the ASEAN Dengue Day is “ASEAN’s Commitment to Fight Against Dengue.” It is a global and local health threat.
It is a viral infection that spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Some of the symptoms are sudden high fever, headache, joint/muscle pain, and pain behind the eyes.
Therefore, the public is encouraged to take at least 10 minutes a week to search and destroy Aedes mosquito breeding grounds inside and outside the house.
Dengue Symptoms
Most people have mild or no symptoms and will get better in 1–2 weeks. Rarely it can be severe and lead to death.
If symptoms occur, they usually begin 4–10 days after infection and last for 2–7 days. Symptoms may include:
- High fever (40°C)
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pains
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Swollen glands
- Rash
However, individuals infected for the second time are at greater risk of severe dengue. The symptoms often come after the fever has gone away:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Rapid breathing
- Bleeding gums or nose
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Being very thirsty
- Pale and cold skin
- Feeling weak
People with these severe symptoms should get treatment right away.
Dengue Treatment
If you are infected, it’s essential to:
- Rest
- Drink plenty of liquids
- Use acetaminophen (paracetamol) for pain
- Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen and aspirin
- Watch for severe symptoms and contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any
After recovery, patient may feel tired for several weeks.
Dengue Prevention
The mosquitoes that spread the virus are active during the day.
Lower the infection risk by protecting yourself from mosquito bites by using:
- Clothes that cover as much of your body as possible
- Mosquito nets if sleeping during the day, ideally nets sprayed with insect repellent
- Window screens
- Mosquito repellents (containing DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535)
- Coils and vaporizers
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