#千万IP创科学普# The “combat effectiveness” of autumn mosquitoes is off the charts, beware of dengue fever!

As autumn approaches, some friends have found that mosquitoes are still active, and the risk of dengue fever, an acute infectious disease caused by the dengue virus, has also increased dramatically.

As one of the most widely spread mosquito-borne infectious diseases in the world, dengue fever not only threatens our health, but also affects our daily lives. So, in this issue, let's popularize the relevant knowledge of dengue fever prevention and control.

What is dengue fever?

Dengue fever is an acute viral disease caused by dengue virus and transmitted by mosquitoes (mainly Aedes albopictus in Jiangsu). The World Health Organization lists it as one of the most serious vector-borne diseases in the world, and it is a statutory Class B infectious disease in China.

Dengue fever is mainly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, including more than 100 countries and regions in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands and the Caribbean. In China, dengue fever is mainly prevalent in the south, such as Yunnan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Fujian and other places .

Dengue fever is mainly prevalent during the season when Aedes mosquitoes are actively breeding, generally from May to November each year, with a peak from July to September . Since there is currently no approved and registered vaccine on the market , and no effective antiviral treatment drugs , mosquito prevention and control is particularly important.

What are the symptoms of dengue fever?

01. Fever: The initial symptoms of dengue fever are usually high fever, with body temperature as high as 39-40 degrees Celsius and lasting for 2-7 days.

02. Headache and orbital pain: Patients often experience severe headaches, especially pain around the eye sockets.

03. Muscle and joint pain: Dengue fever is also known as "breakbone fever". Patients may feel body aches and obvious pain in the joints.

04. Rash: Some patients may also develop a red rash, which usually begins 3-5 days after onset of the disease.

Image source: Tencent Medical Dictionary

How is dengue fever spread?

Dengue fever is mainly transmitted through mosquito bites .

After a mosquito bites a patient (before fever occurs to during the fever-reducing period) or a latently infected person, the virus enters the mosquito's body and multiplies. After 8-12 days, the virus becomes contagious and becomes a transmission medium. When it bites a healthy person again, it may transmit the virus to the other person.

Dengue fever is not transmitted directly from person to person through the respiratory tract, digestive tract or contact. Therefore, preventing mosquito bites and mosquito breeding is the key to dengue fever prevention and control.

Image source: Dingxiang Doctor

Dengue Fever Prevention Measures

01. Prevent mosquito bites:

Use mosquito repellent products: When engaging in outdoor activities, it is recommended to use mosquito repellent products containing DEET, chlorpyrifos or other active ingredients and apply them on the skin and clothing.

Wear appropriate clothing: Try to wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing to reduce the exposed skin area and reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

Use mosquito nets and window screens: Use mosquito nets, window screens or mosquito-proof door curtains to reduce the chance of mosquitoes entering the room, especially when resting at night.

02. Eliminate mosquito breeding areas:

Clean up stagnant water: Aedes albopictus likes to lay eggs in small stagnant water, so we need to regularly check and clean up stagnant water in our homes, yards and surrounding areas, such as flower pots, used tires, gutters, etc.

Keep the environment clean: Clean the surroundings regularly, remove weeds and debris, and reduce breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

03. Pay attention to epidemic information at travel destinations:

Pay close attention to epidemic developments: Learn about the latest developments of dengue fever in your travel destination and avoid traveling to areas with high incidence of the epidemic.

Seek medical attention promptly if symptoms occur: If you experience symptoms such as persistent high fever, headache, joint pain, rash, etc., you should go to the hospital as soon as possible and do not delay.

Dengue fever prevention and control starts with me

Although dengue fever is an infectious disease, we can reduce the risk of its transmission through scientific prevention and control measures.

Everyone is a participant in epidemic prevention and control. Let us start from our own side, pay attention to dengue fever, prevent mosquito bites, remove stagnant water, and jointly protect our healthy home!