Dengue Fever

What is Dengue?

Dengue fever is a disease spread by the vector called Aedes mosquito, which breeds on still water that gets collected especially after the end of the summer.  It is primarily transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito but it is non-contagious i.e. it never transmits from one person to another. 

When a mosquito bites a person already infected with dengue, the virus transfers to the salivary gland of the mosquito—when this infected mosquito bites a human, the virus gets transmitted to the person. The mosquito usually bites in the daylight. Dengue is also known as the break-bone fever and typically occurs in tropical regions.

Fast Facts about Dengue 

  • Only the female Aedes mosquito bites and becomes infected after biting an infected person 
  • The virus multiplies in the mosquito and the mosquito becomes infective approximately 7 days after biting an infected person 
  • The mosquito is found mainly in domestic areas and bites human beings in the same areas and often bites repeatedly 

What is Platelet Count?

The dengue virus affects the platelet production in dengue patients. The general lifespan of platelets is about 4 days and the normal count is between 1.5 and 4.5 lakhs. Dengue virus affects the body’s ability to form new platelets and decrease the number of platelets already present; the decrease in the platelet count is known as thrombocytopenia. The disability of the body to form new platelets also affects the body’s ability to form blood clots. A reduction in the platelet count ups the risk of a brain haemorrhage or bleeding. If the count becomes lower than 20,000-25,000/mm3, then your doctor may recommend platelet transfusion. 

  • Dengue is Fatal in Less than One Per Cent Cases

    Dengue is Fatal in Less than One Per Cent Cases

    Dengue has a sudden onset with symptoms such as headache, fever, exhaustion, severe joint and muscle pain, swollen glands and rashes. The presence of fever, rashes and headache along with other symptoms is particularly characteristic of dengue.