There is currently a serious dengue epidemic in Argentina, Brazil and the Caribbean, among others. More and more infections are also being reported in Europe. Most dengue infections occur in Central and South America and parts of Asia. According to the RIVM, there are approximately 90 million infections with symptoms worldwide every year. This results in many hospital admissions and hundreds of deaths.
We tell you everything you need to know about the tropical disease.
What exactly is dengue?
The dengue virus, also called dengue fever, is spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes and Asian tiger mosquitoes. The insects love heat, so the changed climate may play a role in the spread of the disease.
In most cases, infections occur without serious symptoms. People with dengue experience symptoms such as fever, chills, headache behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, coughing, vomiting and sore throat. It takes several days to a maximum of a week to recover.
However, sometimes an infection can lead to serious complications. For example, hemorrhagic fever (DHF) can occur, which in addition to the aforementioned symptoms also involves bleeding. Consider, for example, bleeding from your ears, mouth, eyes and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. If large amounts of blood are involved, this can affect organ functions and even cause a person to go into shock.
What can you do against dengue?
In the vast majority of cases, dengue goes away on its own. Unfortunately, there is no medicine yet that can be used if this does not happen. Do you think you have contracted dengue and are you experiencing serious complaints? Then ask your doctor for advice.
Painkillers such as paracetemol can help to relieve complaints. However, be careful with blood-thinning painkillers, such as acetylsalicylic acid, diclofenac, ibuprofen or naproxen. The virus can already thin your blood considerably.
It is also important to continue to drink enough to prevent dehydration. In serious cases, doctors therefore provide infected people with a fluid infusion.
How do you protect yourself?
The mosquitoes in question are mainly active during the day. Are you traveling to a country where there are currently many dengue infections? During the day, wear covering clothing and use a mosquito repellent based on DEET (diethyltoluamide). Moreover, it is wise to sleep under a mosquito net.
Dengue vaccine
Recently, a dengue vaccine has also become available at vaccination centers for around €250. This involves two injections three months apart. This vaccine is mainly intended for people who have had dengue at least a year ago. The complaints are often quite mild during the first infection, but people become seriously ill with a second or third infection. It is not yet known how long the vaccine will provide protection. Ask your doctor for advice if you are considering a vaccination.
If your (grand)child has a fever, this can be quite worrying. Doctor Rutger tells you when you need to be extra alert:
Source: RIVM
