Online Medical Advice: Dengue fever in USA

Aug. 6, 2010 - PRLog -- Dengue has emerged as a worldwide problem only since the 1950s.
Florida Reports
The latest statistics released by the department show that 24 cases of dengue fever have been reported in Key West through mid-July, CNN Health reports.18 victims are Key West residents, five reside in other Florida counties and one was a visitor from out of state. Additionally, 49 “imported” cases of dengue fever have also been reported.
“We are concerned that if dengue gains a foothold in Key West, it will travel to other southern cities like Miami,” Margolis said, CNN Health reports.

New York Reports
NEW YORK (July 8th, 2009) – Two types of mosquitoes capable of transmitting the dengue fever virus are invading Southern and Mid-Atlantic states, creating conditions more favorable for an outbreak, according to a report released today by the Natural Resources Defense Council.

NRDC’s report, “Fever Pitch: Mosquito-Borne Threat Spreading in the Americas,” finds that mosquitoes capable of transmitting dengue have spread into at least 28 US states, including Texas, Florida, Arizona, and even states as far north as New York and New Hampshire.

About Dengue fever
Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a specific syndrome that tends to affect children under 10 years of age. It causes abdominal pain, hemorrhage, bleeding, and
circulatory collapse. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a severe, often fatal, complication of dengue.

How is dengue flu spread?
Dengue is spread by the bite of an Aedes mosquito. The mosquito transmits the disease by biting an infected person and then biting someone else.The mosquitoes that transmit dengue live among humans and breed in discarded tires, old oil drums, flower pots, & water storage containers close to human dwellings. Unlike the mosquitoes that cause dengue, malaria mosquitoes bite during the day.

Dengue is very common in Asia, the Pacific, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. It is widespread in the Caribbean basin. Dengue is most common in cities but can be found in rural areas. Most USA cases occur in travelers returning from abroad, but the dengue risk is increasing for persons living along the Texas-Mexico border and in other parts of the southern United States.

Symptoms of dengue fever

Dengue fever usually starts suddenly with a high fever, rash, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pain. The severity of the joint pain has given dengue the name "break-bone fever." Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are common. A rash usually appears 3 to 4 days after the start of the fever. The illness can last up to Ten days, but complete recovery can take as long as a month. Older children and adults are usually sicker than young children.

With dengue hemorrhagic fever, the blood vessels start to leak & cause bleeding from the nose & mouth. Bruising can be a sign of bleeding inside the body.Dengue fever symptoms generally last four to seven days, health officials say.The treatment for dengue:
There is no specific treatment for dengue. Persons with dengue fever should rest and drink plenty of fluids. They should be kept away from mosquitoes for the protection of others. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is treated by replacing lost fluids. Some patients need transfusions to control bleeding.

Dengue prevention:
There is no vaccine to prevent dengue flu.
SimplyAnswer Says :

Eliminating mosquito breeding sites in these areas is another key prevention measure.
•   Use mosquito repellents on skin and clothing.
•   When outdoors during times that mosquitoes are biting, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks.
•   Avoid heavily populated residential areas.
•   When indoors, stay in air-conditioned or screened areas. Use bed nets for sleeping areas.
•   If you have symptoms of dengue, report your travel history to your doctor.
For any information related with Dengue flu, ask the doctor at http://www.simplyanswer.com   and take medical consultation services within 24 hours.

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