DENGUE FEVER IN GHANA AND THE ACTIONS BEING TAKEN BY HEALTH EXPERTS.
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| Dengue Infections|Nature Reviews Disease Premier |
Written By Emmanuel Tetteh|
My articles are purely reviewed and sourced from internationally recognised databases such as Pubmed, Google Scholar and more.
What Is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that has become a significant public health concern, with up to 400 million infections reported annually ¹. The disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, with the western Pacific, Latin America, and Africa being the most affected areas ².
Causes and Transmission
Dengue fever is caused by any one of four types of dengue viruses, which are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species ¹. The virus is not contagious and cannot be spread directly from person to person.
Symptoms
The symptoms of dengue fever range from mild to severe and include high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and rash ¹. In severe cases, dengue fever can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which is characterized by bleeding, low blood pressure, and even death ².
Prevention and Control
Prevention and control of dengue fever depend on vector control, including eliminating mosquito breeding sites and using insecticides ². Personal protective measures, such as wearing protective clothing and applying insect repellent, can also reduce the risk of mosquito bites ¹.
Vaccination
A dengue fever vaccine, Dengvaxia, is available for individuals aged 9-45 who have had dengue fever previously ¹. However, the vaccine is not recommended for travellers or individuals who have not had dengue fever before, as it may increase the risk of severe dengue fever and hospitalization ¹.
Conclusion
Dengue fever is a significant public health concern that requires immediate attention and action. Prevention and control measures, including vector control and vaccination, are critical in reducing the spread of the disease. Further research is needed to develop effective treatments and vaccines to combat this growing global concern.
About The Writer
Emmanuel Tetteh is a renowned Medical Journalist with a Professional Diploma in Medical Journalism from Nyarkotey University- College of Holistic Medicine and Technology. He also doubles as the C.E.O of C&E Naturopathic Clinic and a Traditional Medicine Practitioner.
Email: emma.k.tetteh3@gmail.com
Mobile: 0249707871
Disclaimer:
This article's material should not be used to self-diagnose or treat. Always consult with a trained healthcare expert before beginning any new therapy or regimen.
References:
¹ Mayo Clinic. (2022). Dengue fever. Retrieved from (link unavailable)
² World Health Organization. (2024). Dengue and severe dengue. Retrieved from (link unavailable)

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