Factsheet on Dengue Fever

The facts of dengue fever and Aedes mosquito are for you to use during your
talk and discussion.

Do you know what dengue fever is?

Dengue Fever (DF) is an acute fever caused by dengue virus. Dengue Hemorrhagic
Fever (DHF) is a severe form of the disease in which internal bleeding occurs. DHF
can kill.

How is dengue fever transmitted?

The Aedes mosquito spreads dengue fever. When a female Aedes bites a person
infected with the dengue virus, it picks up the virus. The infected mosquito will
transmit the virus to the next person it bites and the victim may come down with
dengue fever.

What are the symptoms of dengue fever?

Usually, the first sign of dengue fever is a persistent fever. Other symptoms that
may occur are muscle or joints pains, headache, loss of appetite, vomiting, facial
flush and skin rash. Not all patients experience the same symptoms.

If a person has had dengue fever, can he get the disease again?
There are four types of dengue viruses. They are Type 1, 2, 3 and 4. Infection by
one type of dengue virus will make you immune against that particular type.
However, you can still be infected by other three types.

How can we prevent dengue fever?

There is presently no vaccine against dengue fever. The only way to stop it is to
control the breeding of Aedes mosquito.

Factsheet on Aedes Mosquito

What are the characteristics of the Aedes mosquito?

The Aedes mosquito is a domestic mosquito which bites during the day. It breeds
in clean, cool, stagnant water. One distinct feature of the Aedes mosquito is the
black and white strips on its body and legs.

Can any Aedes mosquito transmit dengue?

Only female Aedes mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus can transmit the disease.
Male mosquitos do not feed on blood.

How can you get rid of the Aedes mosquito?

You can kill the adult mosquitoes by spraying insecticide. However, the most
effective way to control them is to prevent them from breeding.
Get rid of standing water in receptacles found in and around the house. Examples
of potential breeding grounds are flower vases, plant pot plates, water storage
jars, pails, watering cans, discarded bottles, choked roof gutters, unused toilet
bowls and cisterns and even tree holes and leaf axils.
Remember to look for water collecting in places that are not obvious. Mosquitoes
are just as likely to be breeding there.

How often must you check your home for mosquito breeding?
The eggs can develop into adults within 5 to 7 days. Therefore, you should check
your home every other day.