Dengue Fever In The News

Dengue fever sounds exotic but scary - and it is. What is Dengue fever? Dengue (pronounced DENG-gay) is a virus spread by mosquitoes. It is quite prevalent in tropical areas although it has been rare in the United States for many years. However, for the first time since 1934, it has returned to Florida.

The initial outbreaks occurred in Key West - 27 known cases last year and 28 so far this year.(1) New cases are now being reported in Miami and Ocala.

So just what are Dengue fever symptoms and where is it coming from?

Much like the flu...

First of all, you can only get Dengue fever from a mosquito, not another person. It is not contagious, and because it is a virus, there is no vaccine or specific medicine to treat it.

After being bitten by a mosquito that has the virus, there is an incubation period of about 5 to 8 days. Then the Dengue fever symptoms begin. It is much like the flu, starting with chills, headache and joint pain. In fact, the joint and muscle pain can be severe and for that reason, Dengue is also known as "breakbone" fever.

Soon the chills give way to a high fever, rash and pain behind the eyes. There may also be swollen glands, nausea and low blood pressure. Miserable stuff, that's for sure.

Worse, the only treatment is to try to relieve the Dengue fever symptoms and ride it out while it runs its course over a couple weeks. Rest and fluids are important and pain relievers for the headache and body pain should be given under a doctor's supervision. Use of aspirin should be monitored closely as a more severe form of Dengue - called Dengue Hemmorrhagic Fever (most common in children under 10) - can involve internal bleeding.

And though you might never have heard of Dengue fever, it is actually quite common in the tropics and the subtropics. Nearly 40% of the world's population live in areas plagued with Dengue.(2) So it's not too surprising that travelers returning from the Caribbean, South America and Asia have brought it back home with them.

Control at the source...

        So far, the few cases reported in Florida do not indicate an epidemic. On that note, Key West tourism officials are questioning the news stories that have reported that 5% of Key West residents show evidence of exposure to Dengue virus.

         That estimate was based on tests of 240 people, 13 of whom were positive. Scientists say that is adequate testing for reporting even though the city population is actually about 25,000. In addition, DNA testing showed that the Key West cases came from a type of Dengue that originates in Mexico.(3) However, none of those infected in Key West had traveled outside the country, which means they caught the virus locally.(4)

        Dr. Harold Margolis, chief of the Disease Center Dengue Branch in Puerto Rico, speculates that an infected visitor to Key West may have passed the virus to a local mosquito. Or an infected mosquito could have arrived on an airplane or cruise ship. Regardless, Key West has plenty of Aedes mosquitos - the kind that can carry Dengue.

        That means controlling the Aedes mosquito is best way to prevent Dengue fever.

        Here are some facts and tips that might be helpful:

About the mosquito...

Controlling the mosquitoes...

        Dengue fever is still pretty rare in the U.S., but if you think you may have been exposed, or exhibit any Dengue fever symptoms, seek medical attention and get tested.

        And for other interesting health news, please check the newsletter archives at my website, www.chesapeakenutraceuticals.com.

Until next time,

Dr. Ronald Blankstein

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