With over 400 million people infected worldwide, dengue is a serious and growing public health concern.
The cause of this mosquito-borne virus has been a mystery, until now.
In this article, we will cover the basics of dengue, how it is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and what treatments are available.
We will also explore the crucial role that mosquitoes play in the transmission of the virus and how they become infected in the first place.
Read on to learn more about the dengue virus and how it spreads.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Mosquitoes get dengue by biting an infected person, and then transmitting the virus when they bite other people.
The dengue virus is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which can live in tropical and subtropical climates around the world.
When a mosquito bites an infected person, the virus enters the mosquito’s body and replicates in the mosquito’s salivary glands.
When the infected mosquito then bites another person, the virus is passed on to the new person.
What is Dengue?
Dengue is a viral illness caused by one of four related dengue virus serotypes.
It is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, which is most active during the day.
Symptoms of dengue include high fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, and fatigue.
In some cases, dengue can cause a life-threatening condition called severe dengue, which can be fatal if not properly treated.
The Aedes species mosquito is the primary vector for the transmission of dengue.
A vector is a living organism that carries and spreads a pathogen from one host to another.
In this case, the vector is the Aedes mosquito which carries the dengue virus from an infected person to an uninfected person.
The Aedes mosquito breeds in standing water and is most active during the day.
When the mosquito bites an infected person, it picks up the virus and then passes it on to the next person it bites.
This process is known as vector-borne transmission.
What Causes Dengue?
Dengue is a viral infection caused by four closely related viruses, known as Dengue virus serotypes 1-4.
These viruses are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito.
Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on the blood of a person already infected with dengue.
The virus is then passed on to the next person the mosquito bites.
Dengue is a serious and potentially fatal disease, and it is important to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of being bitten by a mosquito carrying the dengue virus.
These include wearing insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and removing standing water from around the home.
Mosquito nets can also be used around beds to provide an additional layer of protection.
Mosquitoes become infected with the dengue virus when they feed on an infected persons blood.
After the infected mosquito bites a human, the virus replicates in the mosquitos body before it can be passed on to the next person it bites.
The virus typically takes 10-14 days to complete its replication cycle within the mosquito.
Once the virus has been fully replicated, the mosquito is now capable of transmitting the virus to other people.
The Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquito species are known to be the primary vectors for the dengue virus.
These species of mosquitoes are primarily active during the day and prefer to feed on humans.
They are found in tropical and subtropical regions, and are most commonly found in areas with standing water, such as pools, ponds, and containers.
By understanding how mosquitoes become infected with dengue virus and how they transmit it to humans, it is possible to prevent dengue outbreaks and reduce the risk of infection.
Taking preventive measures such as wearing insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and removing standing water from around the home can help reduce the risk of being bitten by a mosquito carrying the dengue virus.
What are the Symptoms of Dengue?
Dengue is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness that is caused by a virus that is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.
Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and a rash.
In severe cases, dengue fever can cause organ failure, shock, and even death.
Early symptoms of dengue fever typically appear within 4 to 10 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito.
Fever is usually the first symptom to appear, and may be accompanied by headache, muscle and joint pain, and nausea.
Other signs and symptoms may include a rash on the arms, legs, and chest; swollen lymph nodes; and fatigue.
In some cases, dengue fever can progress to a more severe form of the disease called dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).
Symptoms of DHF include high fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, and severe bleeding.
If not treated promptly, DHF can lead to shock, organ failure, and even death.
It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms of dengue fever or DHF.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of serious complications.
How Do Mosquitoes Get Dengue?
The transmission of dengue is complex and begins with the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.
This type of mosquito is found in tropical and subtropical climates, and is the primary vector for transmission of the dengue virus.
The Aedes mosquito is an aggressive daytime biter, meaning that it is more likely to bite a person during the day than at night.
When a mosquito bites a person infected with dengue, the virus enters the mosquito’s body and is then passed on to the next person the mosquito bites.
This is known as secondary transmission.
The mosquito is capable of this because it has mouthparts that can penetrate the skin and inject saliva, which allows the virus to be spread from the infected person to the mosquito.
Once the virus is inside the mosquito, it must incubate for 812 days before the mosquito is capable of transmitting the virus to another person.
The risk of dengue infection is highest in areas with high mosquito populations, meaning that it is important to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of being bitten by a mosquito carrying the dengue virus.
These include wearing insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and removing standing water from around the home.
Additionally, using window screens and mosquito netting can help to reduce the risk of being bitten by an Aedes mosquito.
How Does the Dengue Virus Spread?
The spread of dengue virus is caused by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.
This type of mosquito is most active during the day, which is why people are more likely to be bitten in the morning and afternoon.
When a mosquito bites a person infected with dengue, the virus enters the mosquito’s body and is then passed on to the next person the mosquito bites.
This is known as vector-borne transmission.
The mosquito becomes infected when it feeds on the blood of an infected person, which is when the virus enters the mosquito’s body.
The virus then replicates inside the mosquito’s body, and when the mosquito bites another person, the virus is injected into their bloodstream.
This is how the virus is spread from one person to another.
Dengue is most commonly spread through the Aedes aegypti species of mosquito, which is found in tropical and subtropical regions.
However, Aedes albopictus, another type of mosquito, is also capable of transmitting the virus.
In addition, dengue can also be transmitted through blood transfusions and organ transplants from an infected donor.
How Can Dengue be Prevented?
Prevention is the most effective way to protect against dengue. Taking steps to reduce the risk of being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus is key to preventing dengue. Here are some preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the risk:
1. Wear insect repellent: Using insect repellent that contains DEET is a great way to keep mosquitoes away. It is recommended to use a repellent that contains at least 20-30% DEET for the most effective protection.
2. Wear long-sleeved clothing: Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants can help to reduce the risk of being bitten by a mosquito. Wearing light colors can also help to keep mosquitoes away, as they are less attracted to light colors than dark colors.
3. Remove standing water: Mosquitoes need standing water in which to lay their eggs. Removing any standing water from around the home can reduce the risk of mosquitoes breeding and laying eggs in the area.
These are just a few of the preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of being bitten by a mosquito carrying the dengue virus.
It is important to take all necessary steps to reduce the risk of being infected by dengue.
What Are the Treatments for Dengue?
When it comes to treating dengue, the most important step is prevention.
This means avoiding contact with mosquitoes that may be carrying the virus, such as by wearing insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and removing standing water from around the home.
When it comes to treating dengue once someone has been infected, the main goal is to reduce the symptoms and control the fever.
This can be done with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen to help reduce fever and pain.
It is important to avoid medications with aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as they can make the condition worse.
It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
While there is no specific medication to treat dengue, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medications or antibiotics to help reduce the risk of complications.
In severe cases of dengue, hospitalization may be required.
The hospital will then provide supportive care such as intravenous fluids and medications to reduce the symptoms.
In some cases, the doctor may recommend a blood transfusion to help restore blood volume and reduce the risk of complications.
In addition, the doctor may suggest a dengue vaccine to help protect against future infections.
Overall, it is important to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection and to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
Treatment for dengue should be tailored to the individual and should be done under the guidance of a medical professional.
Final Thoughts
Dengue is a serious and sometimes fatal mosquito-borne virus that affects millions of people around the world.
Understanding how mosquitoes get dengue and how it can be spread is essential for preventing its transmission.
By wearing insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and removing standing water from around the home, people can reduce their risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito.
If someone believes they may have dengue, they should contact their healthcare provider for treatment.
Together, we can work to reduce dengue transmission and keep our communities safe.