Dengue fever is a widespread viral infection, primarily affecting tropical and subtropical regions, transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. This disease can lead to severe complications, including dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which can be fatal. Understanding how dengue fever attacks the body is essential for its management.
How Does Dengue Fever Attack the Body?
Dengue virus infiltrates immune system cells, triggering both the innate and adaptive immune responses. The innate system offers immediate, non-specific protection by producing interferons to limit the virus’s spread. However, it doesn’t provide long-term immunity and may lead to decreased platelet levels in dengue patients.
The adaptive immune system offers specific and enduring protection, generating cells like B cells and cytotoxic T cells. B cells secrete antibodies that neutralize viral particles, while cytotoxic T cells eliminate infected cells, preventing the virus from spreading.
However, there are four different types of dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4). Infection with one type doesn’t grant immunity to the others. In fact, a second infection with a different type can heighten the risk of severe complications due to antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), increasing viral load and inflammation.
How Can We Prevent Dengue Fever?
Prevention is crucial since there’s no specific treatment or vaccine for dengue fever. To prevent mosquito bites and control breeding, individuals can:
– Wear protective clothing.
– Use mosquito repellents.
– Sleep under mosquito nets or in screened/air-conditioned rooms.
– Eliminate stagnant water sources.
– Apply oil or insecticides to potential breeding sites.
– Seek immediate medical attention if dengue symptoms appear.
This information is sourced from a blog post by Trivitron Healthcare, with additional references from CDC, Medical News Today, and BYJU’S. Understanding how dengue attacks the body and taking proactive measures can help reduce its impact on public health.
