Dengue Fever Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to dengue fever, including its causes, symptoms, transmission, and prevention methods.

Dengue virus

A virus that causes dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.

Aedes mosquito

The primary mosquito vector responsible for spreading dengue, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

Serotypes

Different strains of the dengue virus, namely DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4.

Burden of disease

The impact of a health problem measured by financial cost, mortality, morbidity or other indicators.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF)

A severe form of dengue fever that can result in bleeding, plasma leakage, and shock.

Signs of dengue fever

High fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, and rash.

Incubation period

The period after infection during which the dengue virus multiplies, typically lasting from 2 to 7 days.

Dengue shock syndrome (DSS)

A critical condition resulting from severe dengue, marked by circulatory failure and rapid decline in blood pressure.

Preventive measures

Actions taken to reduce dengue transmission, including mosquito control and personal protection.

Supportive treatment

Care aimed at relieving symptoms of dengue, as there is no specific antiviral treatment.

Transmission

Dengue is transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.

Symptoms of dengue fever

Symptoms include high fever, chills, headaches, joint and muscle pain, vomiting, and rash.

Vaccination

Currently, there is no widely available vaccine for dengue fever, although research is ongoing.