Dengue Fever- its symptoms, causes and remedies

Dengue Fever: Causes, Symptoms, Precautions, and Home Treatment(s)

Dengue fever is a kind of viral infection caused by a specific mosquito species i.e. Aedes Aegypti in humans. The name of virus responsible for dengue fever is called dengue virus (DENV). There are 4 different serotypes of this virus that causes dengue; there are DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4. Recovery from this infection is considered to provide lifelong immunity against each serotypes. 

Dengue has distinct epidemiological patterns associated to each serotypes. These can co-circulate within a region. It is mostly found in the tropical and sub-tropical climates across worldwide especially in urban and semi-urban areas. 

Now, Let’s understand about causes of dengue fever, dengue symptoms, and it's natural and effective remedies- 

Causes of Dengue Fever

1. Mosquito bite transmission

The female mosquito from Aedes Aegypti species is main cause of dengue virus transmission in humans. Other mosquito species may also transmit this disease but occurrence of fever from other species is secondary. Virus replicates itself in the DENV-infected person before it start to disseminates in secondary tissues like salivary glands. Variations in the time taken in actual transmission to new host are not affected by the ambient temperature only; However, there are other factors that determine the transmission effects and these includes daily temperature fluctuations, virus genotype, and initial viral concentration.

2. Human-to-Mosquito transmission

Mosquitoes can also be infected from humans who are viremic to DENV. These people may include- 

• Who had symptomatic dengue infection,
• Who yet to develop symptomatic infection; Sometimes in those who are asymptomatic to this infection as well.

3. Maternal Transmission

Babies to a pregnant mother can also affected if mother is infected with DENV virus. It is seen in many cases.  

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

The symptoms of dengue normally show up within 4-5 days of being infected. WHO categorizes dengue fever into two categories- 

• Dengue (With / Without warning signs)- It is suspected when patient has high fever accompanied by any 2 of the following symptoms-
• severe headache
• pain behind the eyes
• muscle and joint pains
• nausea
• vomiting
• swollen glands
• rash

• Severe Dengue- A patient enters in severe dengue state normally after 3-7 days. After 24-48 hours of critical phase, the normal symptoms may deteriorate and temperature get to normalize. After this state, if following symptoms are observed then the patient is suffering from the severe dengue fever-

• severe abdominal pain
• persistent vomiting
• rapid breathing
• bleeding gums or nose 
• fatigue
• restlessness
• liver enlargement
• blood in vomit or stool. 

Diagnosis of Dengue Fever

There are several methods to diagnose the dengue fever. Following are the most prevalent to test dengue fever-

• Virus Isolation Methods- RT-PCR is main test which conducted to find the dengue virus in the human body.
• Serological Methods- ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays) is the main test to confirm current and past dengue infection.

Precautions for Dengue Fever

Precaution is always preferable more than dealing with the consequences of any disease.

• Adequate hydration necessitates adequate rest and fluid intake.
• Clean the empty flower pots.
• Always apply a mosquito repellent spray or lotion to your skin before going out and try to stay in well-covered areas.
• Wear full-sleeved clothing. Because the dengue mosquito bites during the day, ensure that your sleeping area has mosquito netting over the bed.
• Do not allow dengue patients to go to crowded places, such as the office or school.
• Do not leave any standing water containers outside where mosquitoes can breed. 
• Place one tablespoon of kerosene or petrol over standing water to deprive mosquitoes of oxygen, which is required for breeding.
• If you have been in a dengue fever-endemic area and have a fever that lasts more than two days, see your doctor right away.
• Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids such as coconut water, lemonade, and so on.
• If you have a cooler at home, keep it clean regularly. 
• Keep the dustbins clean; do not allow any dirt to accumulate to avoid mosquitoes.
• Light camphor will help keep mosquitoes at bay.
• Sleep with a mosquito net.
• Clean and empty domestic pet water bowls at home, as well as bird water bowls on the balcony.
• Repair any broken septic tanks and cover any vent pipes with wire mesh.
• Mosquitoes that transmit dengue viruses are most active between dawn and dusk; keep windows and doors closed during these hours.

Natural Remedies to Dengue Fever

The elderly in India are very connected to Mother Nature, which is why they find cures for all problems through natural herbs and roots. Which are truly the most effective when the disease is in its early stages! Only in severe cases, medical attention is required. 
Giloy Treatment (especially)
One of the most common dengue home remedies in India is to drink the juice of the giloy leaf.  Fresh giloy leaves are collected from the tree, soaked in water, and ground before drinking two or three spoons three times per day.

Giloy Leaves for Dengue Fever

                                                                      
Every day take 4 Tulsi leaves with 4 Black Pepper in the morning. The right method to take is by crushing them together or by chewing them. It will heal all types of fever.

• Another common dengue fever home remedy in India is to drink the juice of a papaya leaf. You just have to take fresh leaves of papaya, then soak them up into the water, later grind them in a mixer or by hand. Refine and take 1 tsp juice 2-3 times a day.

• Coriander leaf tea has anti-viral properties and improves circulation, which will aid in their recovery from the dengue virus; others consume pomegranates, wheatgrass juice, or vitamin C-rich foods.

• Dengue home remedies are available, but they aren't a cure for the illness. They don't help you recover faster, and they don't do anything to keep your haematocrit and haemoglobin levels from rising. Instead, if you happen to catch dengue fever, follow these three simple steps: Drink more fluids, keep an eye out for signs of bleeding, and follow your doctor's instructions. You will be just fine with some time.        

Above the main remedies to treat dengue fever and fight against the symptoms. If you have any question or want to suggest something; Please feel free to write to us in the comment box.