what causes dengue

Dengue is indeed caused by a virus transmitted primarily through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti. These mosquitoes become carriers after biting an infected person and then can spread the virus to others through subsequent bites. Now, the reason mosquitoes carry this virus often has to do with environmental factors that favor mosquito breeding, such as warm, humid climates with standing water. There are four distinct serotypes of the dengue virus, known as DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. Infection with one serotype can produce lifelong immunity to that specific type, but only partial and temporary immunity to the others. This is actually a significant factor in why some people, like yourself and your cousin, may experience different severity in symptoms. If you’ve been infected with one type, a subsequent infection with a different serotype increases the risk of severe dengue, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. This phenomenon is known as antibody-dependent enhancement. Yes, one can get dengue again, since recovery from one strain doesn’t protect you against the others. For prevention, it’s crucial to minimize exposure to mosquito bites by using repellent, wearing long sleeves, and keeping your environment free of standing water. You should also be aware of any signs of dengue turning severe, such as persistent vomiting, bleeding, or dizziness, and seek medical attention immediately if these occur. While there’s no specific treatment for dengue, supportive care and early medical intervention can significantly improve outcomes. So, it’s important to remain vigilant about your symptoms even after recovery, especially if you’ve had dengue before.