The first time that I’d ever heard of “dengue” was when a virtual
assistant living in the Philippines disappeared for two weeks
while working on a project for me.
When he finally checked in, he apologized and said that dengue
fever had made him so sick and weak that for over a week he could
barely even get out of bed. So, I vaguely familiarized myself
with the disease.
The next time that it came into focus was when I visited the
Philippines 12 years ago, and the mosquitoes were so plentiful,
and AGGRESSIVE, that my wife and I were forced to sleep under
mosquito netting! We’d wake up each morning and the netting
would be COVERED with dead mosquitoes. The couldn’t get on us,
but refused to get up, and clung to the netting which was
suspended on supports around our bed… until many of them simply
DIED!
Reflecting back on my Air Force career, I had been vaccinated
against about “every disease under the sun!” Because I traveled
to areas where these diseases were prevalent, I had been
vaccinated against dengue, as well as Japanese Encepholtitis (a
disease which cause selling of parts of the brain)!
Fast-forward to TODAY, and I traveled to visit friends and
relatives in a moquette infested areas, where I was informed the
dengue is DEFINITELY a problem… one that had affected the very
people I hang out with.
Not to worry, too much…
After I pointed out that my quarters, especially the bathroom
which has open windows, were FLOODED with Aedes aegypti, the
purchased a spray which killed them on contact, and since it is
oil-based, it sticks around on walls etc., They also screened in
the bathroom window, and my wife and I made our sleeping area
nearly air-tight.
We still have a problem when just hanging out… talking with
others, or trying to enjoy meals, but it’s tolerable.
To refresh my knowledge, I asked ChatGPT to tell me more about
dengue, and the mosquitoes that spread it. Here’s what Mr. GPT
told me in it’s somewhat verbose fashion:
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the dengue
virus (DENV), which belongs to the Flavivirus genus. It is
transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, though other
species like Aedes albopictus can also spread the virus. Dengue
is a significant global health concern, especially in tropical
and subtropical regions.
1. Effects of Dengue
Dengue infection manifests in a range of clinical forms, from
mild illness to life-threatening complications.
Mild Dengue Fever
Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes,
joint and muscle pain, rash, nausea, and vomiting.
Duration: Symptoms typically last 2–7 days after an incubation
period of 4–10 days following a mosquito bite.
Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever/Dengue Shock Syndrome)
Symptoms: Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid
breathing, bleeding gums, fatigue, restlessness, and blood plasma
leakage.
Complications: Can lead to organ damage, shock, and death if not
treated promptly.
Case Fatality: With timely medical care, the mortality rate is
below 1%, but it can rise significantly without treatment.
Post-Infection
Recovery may lead to immunity to the specific dengue serotype,
but cross-immunity to other serotypes is temporary, and
subsequent infections increase the risk of severe dengue.
2. Life Cycle of the Mosquito
The Aedes mosquito’s life cycle has four stages: egg, larva,
pupa, and adult. It takes approximately 8–10 days to complete.
Key Features
Eggs: Laid on damp surfaces near water. Eggs can survive dry
conditions for months and hatch when submerged in water.
Larvae: Aquatic and feed on organic matter. They develop in
standing water, such as in containers, tires, and water storage
units.
Pupae: Non-feeding stage where the mosquito transforms into an
adult.
Adults:
Feeding Behavior: Female Aedes mosquitoes bite humans to obtain
blood for egg production. They are most active during early
morning and late afternoon.
Lifespan: Adults live for approximately 2–4 weeks.
3. Global Distribution
Dengue is endemic in over 100 countries, primarily in tropical
and subtropical regions, and its incidence has grown rapidly in
recent decades due to urbanization, global warming, and increased
travel.
Regions
High-Endemic Regions: Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the
Americas, the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa.
*** Expanding Areas: Southern Europe and parts of the United
States due to the spread of Aedes mosquitoes.
Epidemiology
Approximately 390 million infections occur annually, with 96
million symptomatic cases.
Urban and semi-urban areas with standing water provide ideal
conditions for Aedes mosquitoes.
4. Estimated Annual Deaths
Dengue causes an estimated 20,000–25,000 deaths annually,
primarily among children in endemic regions. Severe dengue is a
leading cause of hospitalization and death in these areas.
Prevention and Control
Personal Protection: Use of mosquito repellents, bed nets, and
long-sleeved clothing.
Environmental Measures: Eliminating standing water, covering
water storage containers, and community cleanup efforts.
Vaccination: The dengue vaccine (e.g., Dengvaxia) is approved in
some countries for individuals with prior dengue exposure.
Mosquito Control: Fogging, insecticides, and innovative methods
like introducing genetically modified mosquitoes to reduce
populations.
Dengue remains a pressing global health challenge, particularly
in developing countries where healthcare access and mosquito
control measures may be limited.