Dengue in the city -- oh not again!
Dengue is primarily a disease of the tropics. People from Singapore-Vietnam to Bangladesh-Sri Lanka are scared at this time of this disease as it could be deadly disastrous. The viruses that cause it are maintained in a cycle that involves humans. Day-biting mosquito known as Aedes aegypti is the culprit that prefers to feed on humans. Out of over 2500 species of mosquitoes throughout the world, Aedes aegypti is one. Infection with dengue viruses produces a spectrum of clinical illness ranging from a non-specific viral syndrome to severe and fatal haemorrhagic disease. The normal dengue fever starts like influenza spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.
Significant risk factors for haemorrhagic type dengue fever include mainly the stereotype of the infecting virus, as well as the age, genetic predisposition and immune statuses of the patient are also important. Hemorrhagic type is a severe, sometimes a fatal complication of dengue fever. It should be treated by replacing lost fluids, and a number of patients need transfusions to control bleeding. Currently there is no proper vaccine against this disease. Dengue fever is sometimes called "break-bone fever" because the disease is so painful.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. There is no specific treatment for dengue. Persons with dengue fever should rest and drink plenty of fluids and should be kept away from mosquitoes for the protection of others, as the mosquito transmits the disease by biting an infected person and then biting someone else. The disease becomes harmless after about seven days.
What mosquitoes like!
Mosquitoes can sense heat -- so it is not difficult for them to find warm-blooded mammals.
Keep places around your home as dry as possible -- as water reservoirs (even very small) are good for raising mosquitoes.
It is interesting that mosquitoes don't like people who don't sweat that much -- as certain chemicals in sweat seem to attract mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes can detect lactic acid and carbon-dioxide that relate during giving out our breath- up to 100 feet away; but unfortunately we can't stay still without breathing.
Try to choose green colour clothing which does not contrasts with the background.