Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a viral disease that spreads to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito (often active in the daytime).

• How it spreads: A mosquito bites a person who has dengue virus in their blood, picks up the virus, and later passes it to another person through a bite. It does not usually spread by touching, sharing food, or casual contact.
• Why it is called “break-bone fever”: Many patients feel very strong muscle and joint pain, as if their bones are aching.
• Common symptoms: Sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, body aches, nausea/vomiting, and sometimes a skin rash. Symptoms can look like other fevers at first.
• What makes it risky: In some cases, dengue can become severe and cause bleeding or a dangerous drop in blood pressure (this needs urgent medical care). Early medical advice is important if fever is high or symptoms worsen.
• Prevention works best by stopping mosquito breeding: Aedes mosquitoes lay eggs in clean, still water (like coolers, buckets, flower pots, old tyres). Empty, scrub, and cover water containers, and don’t let water collect around the house.
• Personal protection: Use mosquito nets/screens, apply repellents, and wear full-sleeved clothes, especially during morning and late afternoon when Aedes mosquitoes often bite.

Controlling mosquitoes and avoiding bites are the most powerful ways to reduce dengue in a community.