- What is dengue fever and severe dengue?
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by female mosquitoes of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquito. There are 4 serotypes of the virus that causes dengue. These are known as DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, DEN-4.
Severe dengue is a potentially lethal complication which can develop from dengue infections.
- How is dengue transmitted to humans?
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Dengue is not transmitted directly from person-to- person. Nevertheless the virus which replicates in an infected individual can be transmitted to other humans through mosquito bites for 4-5 days (maximum 12 days) after the first symptoms appear.
- What are the symptoms of dengue fever and severe dengue?
Dengue fever
Dengue causes flu-like symptoms and lasts for 2-7 days. Dengue fever usually occurs after an incubation period of 4-10 days after the bite of the infected mosquito. High Fever (40°C/ 104°F) is usually accompanied by at least two of the following symptoms: Headaches, pain behind eyes, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, joint, bone or muscle pain, rash
Severe dengue
The critical phase takes place around 3-7 days after the first sign of illness. Special attention needs to be given to these warning signs as it could lead to severe dengue: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, vomiting blood, rapid breathing, fatigue/ restlessness
- What is the treatment for dengue?
There is no specific medication for dengue fever. Patients should seek medical advice, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Paracetamol can be taken to bring down fever and reduce joint pains. However, aspirin or ibuprofen should not be taken since they can increase the risk of bleeding.
- What Dengvaxia™ is and what it is used for?
Dengvaxia™ is a dengue vaccine used to help protect you or your child against dengue disease caused by dengue virus serotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4. It contains dengue virus serotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4 that have been weakened. The vaccine works by stimulating the body’s natural defenses, which produces its own protection (antibodies) against the viruses that cause dengue disease.
- At what age can Dengvaxia™ be used?
Dengvaxia™ is given to adults, adolescents and children 9 through 45 years of age living in endemic areas.
Administer as an injection underneath the skin (subcutaneous route) in the upper arm. Three doses of 0.5mL each at 6-month intervals is needed.
- What are the precautions taken before taking Dengvaxia™?
The vaccine is not administered if the patient is taking immunosuppresants such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy.
- What are the possible side effects of Dengvaxia™?
Like all medicine, Dengvaxia™ can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Very common side effects: (may affect more than 1 user in 10)
– headache
– muscle pain (myalgia)
– generally feeling unwell (malaise)
– feeling of weakness (asthenia)
– injection site pain
– fever
Common side effects: (may affect up to 1 user in 10)
– injection site reactions: redness (erythema), bruising (hematoma), swelling, and itching (pruritus)
