what are the causes of dengue fever - #15840
I am seriously worried about my health right now. A week ago, I started feeling super achy and developed this fever, which I thought was just a flu. But then, I heard about dengue fever from a friend and got freaked out. I live in a tropical area where I know dengue is kinda common, but I never thought I'd be dealing with it. I went to the ER because my fever hit 102°F, and they said I have symptoms of a viral infection. The doctors mentioned something about needing blood tests to rule out dengue, but they didn’t give me the results yet. I keep wondering, what are the causes of dengue fever? Like, will I end up with it? I heard it's spread by mosquitoes, but what exactly makes someone more likely to catch it? I mean, do other factors play a part here? My neighbor told me about standing water attracting mosquitoes, but I've been careful about that. What are the causes of dengue fever? Is dehydration something I should worry about too? I just wanna know everything I can to avoid this if it comes back positive. I can’t shake off the feeling that I might need to be more prepared for this. If you all could share insights, that’d be great!
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Doctors’ responses
Dengue fever is indeed primarily caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The mosquitoes become carriers after biting someone already infected with the virus. Living in a tropical area does increase your risk because these regions are conducive to the breeding of these mosquitoes owing to their warm, humid climate. Standing water, like you mentioned, is a breeding ground for them, but it’s good to note you’ve been attentive to this. To understand who is more likely to catch dengue, it’s important to recognize that anyone who is bitten by an infected mosquito is at risk. However, factors that might increase the likelihood include frequent exposure to mosquitoes through outdoor activities, living in areas with an abundance of mosquitoes, and increased travel to regions with endemic dengue. Once someone is infected, dehydration can indeed become a concern, usually because high fevers and vomiting may lead to loss of fluids. It’s crucial to stay hydrated. If your results confirm dengue, trying to maintain hydration and rest are key parts of management. If your condition worsens or if you notice signs such as severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting, it is important to seek immediate medical attention as these can signal severe dengue, which requires more intensive treatment. Remember to use mosquito repellents, wear long-sleeved clothing, and employ mosquito nets as preventive measures, especially when you know mosquitoes are much active. These are simple yet effective measures that can significantly reduce your risk of mosquito bites.
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