There have been increasing non-local cases of dengue fever in Guangzhou so far this year. Guangdong CDC reminds that Guangdong has entered the dengue epidemic period.
Dengue fever is an acute infectious disease caused by dengue virus and transmitted by Aedes species mosquitoes, which are widely distributed in Guangdong. Residents returning to Guangdong after being infected in dengue-endemic areas can cause the spread of dengue fever in the neighborhood if they do not take action to prevent mosquito bites.
（Photo: Nanfang Daily)
Will the symptoms of dengue fever be serious?
People who get sick with dengue may experience severe muscle and joint pain. The typical symptoms are as follows:
● The first symptom is mostly a sudden onset of fever, which may be accompanied by chills. The body temperature can reach 40℃ within 24 hours and it usually lasts 3 to 7 days before the fever goes away.
● Aches and pains (headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle pain, joint or bone pain). Feel exhausted or fatigued.
● Flushed face, neck, and chest. Subconjunctival hemorrhage, enlargement of superficial lymph-nodes, bleeding gums, and bleeding of varying degrees may occur.
● Rash on the limbs, trunk, or head and face.
● Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea may also occur.
There are currently no specific antivirals to treat dengue. Most patients will recover with early detection, diagnosis, and effective symptomatic treatment.
A very small number of patients who get sick with dengue will develop severe dengue which can result in severe bleeding, shock, multiple organ failure, and even death.
But do not worry too much, as most people who get dengue may have mild or even no symptoms.
These people who should pay more attention
● The elderly, infants, children, and pregnant women.
● Those with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, peptic ulcer, asthma, chronic kidney disease, and chronic liver disease.
● People with immunodeficiency disease.
What should I do when someone around me gets dengue?
● Conduct health-monitoring
If fever, rash, muscle and joint pain, or other symptoms mentioned above occur, it’s suggested to go to a hospital immediately and inform the doctor of your symptoms and whether there is someone around you who has dengue fever.
If you have a travel history outside Guangdong, you should let the doctor know and take dengue fever tests if necessary.
● Cooperate with community workers to contain the spread of dengue fever
When there are reported dengue cases in the community, community workers will conduct door-to-door checks and help eliminate the breeding places of mosquitoes for residents.
It is necessary to cooperate with community workers when they drop by and inform them of your family’s health conditions.
● Attach importance to mosquito prevention and eradication
Clean up standing water, and change the water into aquatic plants and other water storage containers every 2 to 3 days. Use electric mosquito repellent liquid, tablets, and swatter for mosquito control.
Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothes and long trousers when going out. Spray and apply mosquito repellents on exposed skin and clothing.
Author | Nico (intern), Hannah
Editor | Olivia, Jasmine, Jerry
