Hurricane season can bring with it intense and prolonged rainfall, creating conditions conducive to the proliferation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the main vector of dengue.
Dengue is caused by one of four serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4). Transmission occurs when an infected female mosquito bites a person and transmits the virus. These mosquitoes typically bite during the day, especially in the early morning and late evening hours.
Dengue symptoms can range from mild to severe. Typical symptoms include: sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, erythema (skin rash) that may appear after the fever, and mild bleeding (such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bruising).
In severe cases, dengue can progress to severe dengue (previously known as dengue hemorrhagic fever) or dengue shock syndrome, which can be fatal without proper medical care.
Dengue is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. Common tests include: NS1 antigen test, which detects the presence of the virus in the early stages of infection, or IgM and IgG antibody test, which detects specific antibodies against the dengue virus.
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Management of the disease focuses on symptom relief and maintaining hydration. Treatment measures include rest, adequate hydration, pain and fever medications, among which paracetamol is preferred.
It is recommended to avoid the use of aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) due to the risk of bleeding. In severe cases of dengue, hospitalization may be necessary for monitoring and intensive treatment.
Preventive measures
It is crucial to take preventive measures to avoid the spread of this disease, which can have serious health consequences. One of the most relevant is the elimination of mosquito breeding sites. After rains, it is important to identify and eliminate any accumulation of stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed.
Using repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus can help prevent mosquito bites. It is important to follow the product instructions for proper application.
Wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants, especially during peak mosquito activity times (early morning and evening), can reduce the chances of being bitten, as can installing mosquito nets.
Regularly mowing your lawn and trimming your bushes can reduce places where mosquitoes can hide and breed.
In areas where dengue cases are detected, health authorities can carry out fumigations to reduce the population of adult mosquitoes.
Preventing dengue after hurricane-induced rains requires a coordinated effort between health authorities, communities and individuals. By eliminating mosquito breeding sites, protecting against mosquito bites and maintaining a clean and safe environment, the risk of dengue transmission can be significantly reduced and the health of the population can be protected. Taking these preventive measures is essential to controlling the spread of dengue and ensuring a healthy environment for all.
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2024-09-01 02:08:17