Complete guide: How to protect yourself against Dengue 451x67

On February 29th, the Ministry of Health released worrying data on the incidence of dengue in Brazil in 2024, revealing that the country has sured the alarming mark of 1 million confirmed cases. In addition, 214 deaths related to the disease were recorded, while another 687 cases of death are currently under investigation to determine their connection with dengue. 51x57

The seriousness of the situation has generated increasing apprehension among both the population and health experts. Faced with this critical scenario, knowledge and implementation of protective measures efficient. The mobilization of society, the strengthening of epidemiological surveillance and the promotion of educational campaigns are essential to face this public health challenge.

In response to the significant number of cases ed throughout the national territory and the growing concern of the population, the team at showmetech created an informative guide on how to protect yourself against dengue. So, read on to gain vital knowledge on the subject!

What is Dengue? 1j172

A dengue is an acute febrile infectious disease that manifests itself in benign or severe forms — depending on several factors, such as the type of virus involved, previous infections by the dengue mosquito and individual conditions, such as chronic diseases (diabetes, asthma, sickle cell anemia and bronchial asthma).

The causative agent of dengue belongs to the family flaviviridae, in the Flavivirus genus, and has four distinct serotypes: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4. These serotypes are classified as arboviruses, indicating that they are predominantly transmitted by mosquitoes. In Brazil, the disease is transmitted through female mosquitoes. Aedes aegypti and, when a person is infected by the virus, they can manifest the classic or hemorrhagic disease.

Types of Dengue 34456l

Clinical manifestations 3w3p53

Clinically, types of dengue can manifest themselves in three ways:

• Classic dengue: it is the mildest form of the disease and is therefore constantly confused with the flu. Its onset is sudden and symptoms can last between five and seven days;
• Dengue shock syndrome: in this case, there is a large drop or absence of blood pressure, accompanied by restlessness, paleness and loss of consciousness;
• Dengue hemorrhagic fever: occurs when an individual infected with the dengue virus suffers changes in blood clotting. It is common when a person is infected for the second or third time and, if left untreated, can lead to death.

Viral variations and serotypes 283qg

It is essential to highlight that dengue is caused by the virus DENV, which has different variations in its structure, resulting in distinct serotypes. To date, we have identified 5 serotypes e 18 strains of the dengue virus. In the national territory, serotypes 1, 2 3 and 4 circulate.

After being infected, the organism develops permanent immunity only to the specific serotype involved. However, this immunity does not offer protection against other serotypes, which allows a person to be infected up to four times by the virus.

The prevalence of a particular serotype may vary in different regions over time, depending on its ability to spread and the number of people not yet exposed to the predominant serotype.

The serotypes present in Brazil are characterized as follows:

• Type 1 (DENV-1): it was discovered in 1981 and appeared in isolated cases in Roraima. Its circulation reached other regions of the country from 1986 onwards.
• Type 2 (DENV-2): was identified in 1990 and both the first and second types have been predominant in Brazil in the last 4 years.
• Type 3 (DENV-3): it was isolated in 2000. In 2016, it remained the most common serotype in the country.
• Type 4 (DENV-4): it was identified in isolated and restricted cases that occurred in the North region in 1981. However, after 2010, it began to circulate in other regions.
• Type 5 (DENV-5): appeared in 2007, in Malaysia. To date, no case of this serotype has been identified in Brazil.

Which type of Dengue is considered the most serious? 732v3d

Any of the dengue virus serotypes can cause anything from asymptomatic infections to deaths. However, despite this fact, serotypes 2 and 3 are considered more virulent, because they spread easily.

Therefore, all serotypes are capable of causing severe dengue in the first infection, but most of the time these cases occur in the second or third infection.

What mosquito causes Dengue? 4f513v

The dengue mosquito is the Aedes aegypti, originating in Africa and spread globally ively by man, transforming him into a cosmopolitan insect. Presenting a smaller size than common mosquitoes, it stands out for its black color, with streaks forming a design similar to a cup on the thorax, in addition to white stripes on the head and legs. Its wings are translucent, and the noise produced is practically inaudible to the human ear.

In the biology of this species, it is observed that the male of the Aedes aegypti it feeds exclusively on fruit, while the female needs blood to mature the eggs, which are deposited on the inner walls of objects close to clean water surfaces, as they provide ideal survival conditions.

With a life expectancy that lasts around 30 days, the female is capable of laying between 150 and 200 eggs during this period. When coming from a female infected with the dengue virus, these eggs, upon completing their evolutionary cycle, become disease-transmitting agents. It is also important to highlight that the eggs are placed in artificial containers, such as empty bottles, tires, gutters, uncovered water tanks, dishes under plant pots or any other object capable of accumulating rainwater.

Although it is also found in rural areas, the Aedes aegypti It is predominantly an urban mosquito. Its adaptation to tropical and subtropical regions reveals its sensitivity to low temperatures at high altitudes. Furthermore, females, seeking human blood as a source of protein, tend to attack during the morning or evening, and their saliva contains an anesthetic substance, making the bite practically painless.

Transmission and incubation 6d668

Dengue transmission occurs through mosquito bites Aedes aegypti. After feeding on infected blood, the mosquito acquires the ability to transmit the virus, with an incubation period that can vary from 8 to 12 days. There is also the possibility of mechanical transmission, which occurs when the insect's feeding is interrupted and it immediately feeds on a susceptible host nearby.

Transmission does not occur through direct with a patient or their secretions, nor even through water or food sources. Therefore, its occurrence is linked to the presence of the virus in human blood. The critical period of the disease begins one day before the onset of fever and lasts until the 6th day. As for the incubation period, it varies from 3 to 15 days, with an average of 5 to 6 days.

Immunity 58292j

Susceptibility to the dengue virus is universal, indicating that anyone can be infected. However, permanent immunity develops in a specific way for each serotype (homologous), which means that the protection acquired against a certain serotype does not automatically extend to others. There is also temporary (heterologous) cross-immunity, whereby the immune response to acute dengue infection can be categorized as primary or secondary.

The primary response occurs when the individual has not had prior exposure to the virus. In this case, antibody production gradually increases in response to the initial infection. In contrast, the secondary response occurs in people with acute dengue infection who have previously been exposed to flaviviruses, resulting in a rapid increase in antibody levels due to immunological memory acquired during previous exposure.

Symptoms and treatments a6a2h

Symptoms 6x12o

Symptoms can start overnight and last between five and seven days. After a person is bitten by the mosquito that transmits dengue fever, it takes between 3 and 15 days for the disease to manifest itself. The main symptoms are the following:

• High fever with sudden onset — between 39º and 40º C;
• Pain behind the eyes;
• Headache;
• Extreme tiredness;
• Spots and rashes on the skin, usually itchy;
• Softness and pain in the body;
• Pain in bones and ts;
• Dizziness;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Loss of appetite and taste.

To receive a diagnosis of the disease, a dengue blood test or dengue serology is performed. The Federal Government also counts on the use of rapid tests in the Unified Health System (SUS).

Treatment ir3o

There is no specific treatment against dengue. Therefore, infected individuals should focus on using medications to alleviate symptoms, while adopting essential measures, including rest, adequate fluid replacement and the correct istration of the indicated medications.

If the infected person has pain and fever, some antipyretic medication, such as paracetamol, may be prescribed. In more serious situations, hospitalization may be necessary to ensure intravenous hydration, while extreme cases are referred for treatment in an intensive care unit.

Paracetamol and dipyrone are the medicines used to relieve symptoms of pain and fever in cases of dengue, and are recommended by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Important to : self-medication is not recommended! When symptoms appear, seek medical attention.

Prohibited medicines 703c49

Patients who are fighting dengue or are suspected of having the disease should avoid dengue-based medications. acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) or that have an associated substance. These medications have an anticoagulant effect, which can trigger bleeding and worsen the condition.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as diclofenac, ibuprofen e piroxicam they also need to be avoided, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.

Dengue vaccines 3n6p56

The first dengue vaccine approved in Brazil, the Dengvaxia da Sanofi pasteur, was authorized by Anvisa in 2015. This vaccine covers serotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4, and is intended for individuals aged 9 to 45 who have already had dengue. However, it is only available in private clinics.

The second vaccine, Qdenga, obtained approval from Anvisa in 2023 and, from January 2024, it began to be offered in private clinics. In February of the same year, it was incorporated into the National Immunization Program (PNI), also becoming accessible through the SUS. It protects against serotypes DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4, being applicable both to people without a history of dengue and to those who have already had the disease.

In the public health system, the dengue vaccine is available for people between 4 and 60 years old, and is contraindicated for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, individuals with a compromised immune system, immunosuppressive conditions or allergies to components of the formula.

The first group to receive the vaccine are children and adolescents aged 10 to 14. Throughout 2024, the expectation is that around 6,2 million doses of the vaccine will be made available free of charge by the SUS. This strategy aims to assertively address areas most vulnerable to dengue, providing an effective response against the disease.

As for effectiveness, the Qdenga demonstrated to be efficient in 69,8% of cases of infection with serotype 1, 95,1% with serotype 2 and 48,9% with serotype 3.

To learn more about Qdenga, check out our full article on the subject!

Precautions to prevent mosquito proliferation 5f27m

For those wondering how to protect themselves from dengue fever, the answer lies in preventing mosquito proliferation. Aedes aegypti. To do this, adopt the following precautions:

• Do not leave containers with standing water;
• Ensure that the water tanks are well sealed;
• Put sand in plant pots to avoid water accumulation;
• Keep swimming pools properly covered;
• Collect and package trash correctly
• Clean your gutters regularly;
• Clean the air conditioning water collection tray;
• Cover cisterns and other water reservoirs well;
• Cover the drains and keep the toilet lids down;
• Clean and store pet dishes properly;
• Keep trash cans well covered

These measures are not limited to homes, it is essential to be alert to possible sources of standing water in environments such as schools, workplaces and others frequented daily.

Additionally, consider wearing clothing that minimizes skin exposure during the day, offering an extra layer of protection against dengue mosquito bites, especially during outbreaks. Repellents, insecticides and mosquito nets are also effective tools to complement personal protection.

By adopting these practices, one can significantly contribute to reducing the risk of disease transmission.

See also:

Qdenga: find out everything about the new dengue vaccine

Sources: Ministry of Health, Government of São Paulo, Ministry of Health

reviewed by Glaucon Vital in 14 / 3 / 24.