Dengue
Dengue is a pain and potentially harmful febrile illness caused by one of four dengue viruses which is transmitted by Aedes mosquitos. Dengue was first found in Thailand and Phillipine in an epidemic episode in 1950 which then in the 1970-s, spread to only 9 countries in South East Asia. However, currently, dengue is known as the most rapidly-spreading mosquito borne disease due to its recent emergence of worldwide which threatened nearly half of the global population. Indonesia is one of the country with risk of Dengue as the disease occurs year-round with peak transmission in the rainy season, from November through April. Cases are frequently reported in East Java, Jakarta, and on Bali.
The fast spread of dengue infection into new population has been contributed to travel of infected individual to area that support it’s transmission. Some research reviewed that international travel to endemic countries has resulted in imported cases and outbreak of dengue in European and the Americas. Apart from travel, environmental factors have significant effect to the spread of mosquito. Aedes mosquitos thrive in area with standing water. Bad sanitation and garbage management will worsen the situation. In addition, several study indicate climate change as risk factor to the spread of dengue.
How do you know if you are infected with Dengue? Although most Dengue infection are asymptomatic, those with symptoms get ill between 4 to 7 days after the bite and develop flu-like symptoms which include a sudden high fever coming in separate waves, pain behind the eyes, muscle, joint, and bone pain, severe headache, and a skin rash with red spots. Supportive care of symptoms remain the main treatment of Dengue. There is no antiviral treatment available. The illness may progress to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, bruising, and uncontrolled bleeding. High fever can last from 2 to 7 days. Complications can lead to circulatory system failure and shock, and can be fatal (also known as Dengue Shock Syndrome). If you are infected with the same Dengue virus serotype you become immune to future infections. However, if you are infected subsequently with a different serotype, immunity wanes over time which increases the risk of developing Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever.
Upaya Pencegahan:
Avoiding mosquito bite is essential in dengue prevention. Some tips to avoid mosquito bite include:
- Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply according to manufacturer's directions.
- Wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) clothing. If possible, wear long-sleeved, breathable garments.
- If available, pre-soak or spray outer layer clothing and gear with permethrin.
- Get rid of water containers around dwellings and ensure that door and window screens work properly.
- Apply sunscreen first followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later).
- If you are bitten by mosquitoes, avoid scratching mosquito bites and you can apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce itching.
If you feel sick and think you may have dengue:
- Talk to your doctor or nurse if you feel seriously ill, especially if you have a fever and tell them about your travel.
- Use acetaminophen. Do not take pain relievers that contain aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil), it may lead to a greater tendency to bleed.
- Get lots of rest, and drink plenty of liquids.
- Avoid spreading the disease by preventing more mosquito bites.
