The correct spelling of the mosquito-borne disease is "dengue fever" with a [dɛŋɡeɪ] pronunciation. This disease is prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical countries, causing high fever, joint pain, headache, and sometimes even death. The word "dengue" originated from the Swahili language meaning "cramp-like seizure" and was later adopted by the Spanish colonizers in Southeast Asia. Despite being a common term, there are still many variations of the spelling, such as "dengi," "denghi," or "dengge." However, the standard spelling remains "dengue fever."
Dengue fever is a viral disease characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms, including high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, and a rash. It is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female mosquitoes, primarily of the Aedes aegypti species.
The dengue virus belongs to the Flaviviridae family and there are four different serotypes, meaning that individuals can potentially experience the illness multiple times if infected with different serotypes. Dengue fever is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Asia, South America, and Africa, where the Aedes mosquito thrives.
The symptoms of dengue fever typically appear between 4 to 10 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito and can last up to two weeks. In some cases, a severe form of dengue, known as dengue hemorrhagic fever, may develop, characterized by bleeding, organ damage, and a drop in blood platelet count, which can be life-threatening.
Prevention and control of dengue fever primarily involve reducing mosquito breeding sites, such as stagnant water sources, and protecting oneself from mosquito bites by using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and sleeping under mosquito nets. There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever, and management involves supportive care, including fluid replacement and pain relief.
The word "dengue" is derived from the Kiswahili phrase "Ka-dinga pepo", which means "cramp-like seizure caused by an evil spirit". This term is believed to have originated in East Africa, where the disease was prevalent. The word "fever" refers to the elevated body temperature often associated with the illness.