You might have learned a few things about the mosquitoes that spread dengue. Today, let’s talk about the Dengue Virus.

Dengue virus nurtures in and transmits through a particular mosquito species—Ades Aegypti.

Ades Aegypti is called “Day Breeder” because its favorite activity time is between dawn and sunset. The female mosquito bites people and animals because it needs blood to produce eggs. This pregnant insect then lays eggs on the inner walls of containers with water just above the water’s surface. The mosquito needs only a tiny quantity of water to lay eggs. Thus, bowels, vases, cups, tires, and any other container storing water make a great nursery.

Over the next seven to ten days, an egg goes through the stages of larva and pupae, producing an adult mosquito that flies away. Luckily, Ades Ayegpti doesn’t fly long distances; during its life cycle, it remains within a few blocks of its birthplace. Therefore, eliminating mosquitoes in one neighborhood removes the possibility that the mosquito would arrive from another.

Dengue Virus Serotypes

Dengue virus belongs to a unique family of viruses, and it has four distinct but closely related serotypes: DENV1, DENV2, DENV3, and DENV4. All four species nurture in and transmit through the same mosquito—Ades Aegypti.

If a person gets infected by one serotype, say DENV1, and he recovers from this illness, this infection gives him life-long immunity, which means the DENV1 virus is less likely to infect him again. However, the other three strains—DENV2, DENV3, and DENV4—can still make this person sick with Dengue Fever. This cross-infection can be even more severe than the previous illness.

What is the take-home from this serotype knowledge? That precaution and prevention are as important for one with previous dengue infection as for those who have never had Dengue Fever.

Dengue Fever Symptoms

Dengue uses mosquitoes as a launching pad to attack its target—humans.

The Dengue virus’ growth cycle starts when a mosquito bites a person who carries the dengue virus in their blood. After that, the germ continues to multiply inside the mosquito for almost 8 to 12 days. Once this incubation period is over, the virus is ready to be transmitted to a human. A mosquito bite completes this process.

Inside the human body, the virus replicates to cause viremia, which leads to signs and symptoms of infection:

• Headache
• Fever
• Back pain
• Rash
• Nausea

Vomiting Once fever peaks, the critical phase ensues, the next 24 to 48 hours, during which platelets can drop precipitously and lead to a fatal bleed, sometimes resulting in death. Thus, during this phase, the patient needs even closer monitoring during what looks like recovery.

Dengue Fever Diagnosis

Now you know everything about Dengue Virus that you need to know to protect yourself from this illness. Equipped with all this knowledge, you are ready to make an educated guess about Dengue Diagnosis.

But there are a few more facts to learn—a few blood tests to be certain about the diagnosis.

If you think your symptoms are due to Dengue, laboratory tests can help to support and confirm the diagnosis. One of the common and cheap tests for Dengue is a complete blood count, which in the presence of certain abnormalities (low platelet count), can support the diagnosis of Dengue. The two tests to confirm the diagnoses are Serum NS1 Antigen and Dengue IgM.

Remember that early diagnosis and management can save a life. Therefore, if you are concerned that someone you know has dengue fever, you should consult a physician for a complete evaluation and management.

5 Essential Micronutrients for Dengue Fever

Although there is no replacement for an effective vaccine for the virus, improving nutritional status or micronutrient supplementation can act as supportive therapy to help patients suffering from dengue infection.

Vitamin C

It gets easily solved in water and absorbed by the body, which also helps immediately to restore platelet count.

Iron

It plays a vital role in regulating and boosting an individual’s physiology by maintaining good hemoglobin levels in the body.

Vitamin E

This vitamin has strong anti-oxidant properties and no side effects. It helps regulate the platelet count as well by doubling the effect with the right dosage.

Vitamin K

A deficiency of vitamin K can be a critical, life-threatening situation due to excessive bleeding. Therefore, proper intake is necessary to keep the patient safe from falling into the critical phase.

Vitamin D

An adequate dose of Vitamin D can control dengue progression and replication.