dengue fever which mosquito - #18945
I am currently feeling really worried about some sickness I’ve been dealing with since my last trip to Thailand. I went on this amazing adventure, but towards the end, I started feeling super off – headaches, muscle pain, and this awful fever that just wouldn't break! After returning home, I finally went to a doc, and they said I might have dengue fever, which mosquito is responsible for spreading it? I remember getting bitten a lot, and I thought I was safe using mosquito spray, but I have this nagging feeling if I just knew more about dengue fever, which mosquito was actually causing the problem, I could’ve done something differently. I’ve been reading about how Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the main culprits, but I honestly don’t know how to tell if it was one or the other. Do they both bite during the day? And should I be worried about more bites now that I’m recovering? Did I bring anything back besides the dengue fever? Which mosquito should I be watching out for now that I'm back home? Any personal experiences or tips about dealing with this would really help!
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Doctors' responses
Dengue fever is primarily transmitted by two types of mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Both these species are known for biting during the daytime, typically in early morning or late afternoon, although they can also bite at night. These mosquitoes are found in urban environments, where they breed in standing water, such as plant pots, puddles, or clogged gutters. It’s understandable that being bitten frequently during your travels might make you more susceptible to dengue; unfortunately, even mosquito repellent isn’t foolproof. Once infected, these mosquitoes can continue to transmit the virus to others, exacerbating the spread among humans.
Regarding your concern about bringing anything else back besides the dengue fever, the good news is that dengue itself isn’t directly contagious from person to person. It’s only spread through mosquito bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes. While you’re in recovery, there isn’t a high chance of getting reinfected with dengue from the same mosquitoes. However, in endemic areas, it’s wise to continue using mosquito prevention measures, such as wearing long sleeves, using repellent with DEET, and ensuring no puddles or water collection sites are around your living space.
In terms of personal experiences or tips, people who have been through dengue often find it helpful to focus on relieving symptoms while watching for warning signs like severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, or bleeding gums, which could indicate a more severe form of the disease. In such cases, immediate medical attention is critical. Now that you’re back home, it’s essential to know the mosquitoes in your area and whether they are known to transmit dengue. It’s unlikely you’ve brought these mosquitoes back with you, considering the climate and living conditions typically needed for their breeding. Keeping your surroundings free from standing water and continuing to use protective measures is still advised until you’re fully recovered.
Ultimately, recovering from dengue involves rest, staying hydrated, and avoiding mosquito bites. If you live in or near a place where dengue isn’t prevalent, your risk is much lower now that you’re back. However, being vigilant can help prevent exposure to similar illnesses in the future.
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