DENGUE FEVER

Dengue fever, also known as breakbone fever, is an acute communicable disease caused by virus. Dengue fever is a dangerous disease. Dengue fever is a disease caused by dengue virus which is transmitted by the bite of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which causes disturbances in capillary blood vessels and the blood clotting system that causing bleeding. Dengue fever is a disease found in many tropical regions where rainfall is high. Because mosquitoes will breed easily in flooded areas. Generally often occur in areas of Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia. The life cycle of a vector mosquito is divided into the 4 stages:   egg, larva, pupa and adult . Habitual Behaviour of Aedes Albopictus and aedes aegypti are Usually breed in stagnant water , usually active in dark or shaded places outdoors, but indoor activity is also possible , female mosquitoes feed on human blood and they are most active 2 hours before sunset (around 5pm to 6pm) and at around 8am to 9am.

Characteristics of a person infected with dengue fever are:

1.       Sudden high fever 2-7 days (38-40 degrees Celsius).

2.       Fever cause aching body / pain in the joints.

3.       The emergence of red spots on the skin due to rupture of blood vessels.

4.       Bleeding, for example on the nose (nosebleeds) and gums.

5.       The emergence of several clinical symptoms that accompany such as nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite (anorexia), stomachache, diarrhea, chills, seizures and headaches.

6.       In laboratory tests (blood) day to 3-7 a decline in thrombocyte below 100,000 / cubic millimeter (thrombocytopenia), an increase in hematocrit values ​​above 20% of the normal value (Hemoconcentration).

7.       Enlargement of the liver (Hepatomegaly).

8.       Decreased blood pressure causing shock.

Here are some things you can do as a form of first aid to patients with dengue fever are:

1.      Giving drinking as much as possible.

2.      Compress the patient's head so that the fever down.

3.      Giving febrifuge.

4.      If within 3 days of fever does not go down or even go up, immediately brought to a hospital or health center.

5.      If you can’t  drink or persistent vomiting, the condition worsen, decreased or lost consciousness then must be hospitalized.

How to prevent dengue fever are:

1.      Drain water reservoir regularly, such as tub and pool. Because it can reduce the breeding of mosquitoes themselves. Or enter a few small fish into a tub or pool. Because the fish will eat mosquito larvae.

2.      Cover water containers tightly so that mosquitoes can’t get in to lay eggs.

3.      Dispose of domestic wastes properly to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water. Dispose of empty bottles, cans and lunchboxes properly, such as into a covered bin.

4.      Change water for vases  and aquatic plants at least once a week , leaving no water under  the pots or in the bottom saucers. Scrub the container surfaces thoroughly to prevent mosquito eggs sticking on them.

5.      In cultivation ponds, water tanks or large containers, biological controls such as keeping fishes to eat mosquito larvae would be a good option.

6.      Fogging to kill dengue fever mosquitoes

The characteristics of Aedes aegypti mosquito :

1.     Black and white stripes on the entire body.

2.     Breed in the water reservoirs, and the items that allow stagnant water such as: bath, jars, drums, flower vases, old tires, etc..

3.     Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can’t breed in ditches or ponds where the water is directly related to soil.

4.     Usually bite humans in the early morning or late afternoon

Able to fly up to 100 meters.