Faced with dengue, understand the risks and protect yourself

Faced with dengue, understand the risks and protect yourself
Faced with dengue, understand the risks and protect yourself

Guadeloupe has crossed the dengue epidemic threshold, with a high risk of new cases. Discover the symptoms, prevention measures and advice from Dr. Kierzek to protect yourself against this health threat.

Guadeloupe is currently going through an epidemic phase of dengue, due to theappearance of a rare serotype and a new tiger mosquito. These factors increase the risk of cas graves. Dengue fever is a infection virale transmitted by mosquitoes, and comes in four variants of the virus.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of dengue usually occur between three and 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. They can vary, but often include the following signs:

  • High fever (40°C);
  • Severe headaches;
  • Pain behind the eyes;
  • Severe muscle and joint pain;
  • Extreme fatigue;
  • Nausea, vomiting;
  • Rash.

In the majority of cases, symptoms are mild. However, in rare cases (less than 5%), dengue can progress to severe form potentially fatal.

Treatments and prevention of dengue

There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. Management is symptomatic:

  • Repos ;
  • Hydration;
  • Paracetamol to relieve fever and pain.

Aspirin and anti-inflammatories are strictly not recommended due to the risk of hemorrhage.

Prevention is mainly based on:

  • Individual protection against mosquito bites (repellents, mosquito nets, long clothing);
  • The fight against larval breeding sites (elimination of stagnant water);
  • Epidemiological surveillance.

There is a vaccine (Dengvaxia) but its use is limited to people who have already been infected with dengue. In the event of suggestive symptoms upon returning from a risk area, it is important to consult quickly a doctor.

-

The advice of Dr. Gérald Kierzek

Join us every morning at 8:50 a.m. The advice of Dr. Kierzek. From managing our stress to our nutrition and even our sleep, he gives you good advice on every aspect of our daily life.

You can also find this column replayed on the HERE app and the Radio app.

Health

-

--

PREV Depression should not be taken lightly in the elderly, it may hide a much more serious illness
NEXT Union Champagne is questioning a reduction in the alcohol content in vintages