Stop the Spread of Dengue: Avoid Getting Infected!

Dengue fever is a viral illness with potentially severe consequences such as dengue haemorrhagic fever and even death. Dengue is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites. However, there may be other ways dengue may be transmitted.^[1],[2] Learning about dengue transmission allows us to prevent the spread of dengue outbreaks and to manage our risk of getting dengue.

From Mother to Child: Infected at Birth

Although cases are rare, there is potential for dengue to spread from mother to child during pregnancy. The risk of maternal transmission of dengue is associated with the phase of pregnancy and the timing of the mother's dengue infection. If a mother is infected with dengue during pregnancy, it may lead to adverse outcomes such as pre-term birth, low birth weight, and foetal distress.^[1]

Dengue Transmission in Healthcare Settings

Although rare, dengue can spread through unsuspecting exposure to the virus such as through a needle prick.

In 2014, a South Korean laboratory worker contracted dengue through a needle stick injury.^[3] The individual reported symptoms such as muscle pains, vomiting, chills, and fever that emerged quickly after the incident.^[4]

In Singapore, a frequent blood donor who had non-symptomatic dengue had unknowingly spread dengue to his beneficiaries. Subsequent investigations revealed that recipients of the donor's blood tested positive for the same dengue virus as the donor.^[3]

Therefore, ensuring that the healthcare setting you seek treatment from maintains a good standard of care and hygiene to avoid accidental transmission is important.

How Dengue Typically Spreads

Dengue is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. The prime culprits in Malaysia include Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes identified in numerous urban areas across Southeast Asia.^[1],[5]

Dengue spreads when an Aedes mosquito gets infected by biting a person who is suffering from dengue.^[1] Once a mosquito is infected, it passes the virus by biting a healthy person, who subsequently falls ill with dengue.

Aedes aegypti thrives in urban settings and can fly up to 400 metres in search of water-filled containers to lay eggs.^[6] Its ability to fly long distances means that Aedes aegypti could be a dengue ‘super spreader’ as it may bite more than one individual within its large flying range.

Preventing Dengue: Strategies for Protection

As dengue spreads primarily through mosquitoes, the best way to prevent the spread of dengue is to adopt preventive measures that include both personal and community-level action. These include:^[7],[8]

• Eliminating Breeding Sites: Regularly inspect your surroundings and eradicate any stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed. This includes flowerpots, tires, and containers.
• Using Mosquito Repellent: Apply mosquito repellent containing diethyltoluamide (DEET) when venturing outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity times.
• Wearing Protective Clothing: Use long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce exposure to mosquito bites.
• Installing Mosquito Nets on Windows and Doors: Mosquito nets on windows and doors help to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
• Consult with your doctor about other preventive methods including vaccination.

In Summary

In conclusion, dengue fever is a serious viral illness with more than one mode of transmission. Let us take collective responsibility for dengue prevention, from personal actions to community-level initiatives.

By embracing preventive strategies, we can work together to reduce the impact of dengue on our communities and protect our loved ones.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Dengue transmission. Retrieved September 27, 2023, from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/transmission/index.html
2. WHO. “Dengue and severe dengue.” 17 March 2023, Retrieved December 1, 2023, from World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue
3. The New England Journal of Medicine. “Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Transmitted by Blood Transfusion.” Accessed 21 February 2024. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmc0708673#:~:text=A%2052%2Dyear
4. Lee, C., Jang, E. J., Kwon, D., Choi, H., Park, J. W., & Bae, G. R. (2016). Laboratory-acquired Dengue Virus Infection by Needlestick Injury: A Case Report, South Korea, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-016-0104-5
5. Zainon, N., Mohd Rahim, F. A., Roslan, D., & Abd-Samat, A. H. (2016). Prevention of Aedes Breeding Habitats for Urban High-rise Building in Malaysia. https://doi.org/10.21837/pmjournal.v14.i5.197
6. World Health Organization. (2019). Dengue and severe dengue. Retrieved September 27, 2023, from WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/dengue-and-severe-dengue
7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Avoid Dengue by Preventing Mosquito Bites. Retrieved September 27, 2023, from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/media/avoid-dengue.html
8. WHO “WHO recommends R21/Matrix-M vaccine for malaria prevention in updated advice on immunization.” 2 October 2023, Retrieved December 1, 2023, from WHO: https://www.who.int/news/item/02-10-2023-who-recommends-r21-matrix-m-vaccine-for-malaria-prevention-in-updated-advice-on-immunization

This article is brought to you by Takeda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. 200901025887 (868989-K)

Disclaimer: These images depict hypothetical patients and/or healthcare professionals. This information is available to the public for information purposes only; it should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not intended to substitute consultation with a healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice.

C-ANPROM/MY/DENV/0393 FEB 2025