Page 30 - General_Knowledge_8

20 Dangerous Diseases

Dengue

1. Vector-Borne Disease: Dengue is transmitted
primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito,
which thrives in urban environments and is
most active during daylight hours.
2. Four Serotypes: Dengue fever is caused by four
different serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV-
1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4). Infection with
one serotype provides immunity only to that specific
type, not to the others.

3. Symptoms: Dengue can cause severe flu-like symptoms including high fever, severe headache,
pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. Severe cases can lead to
dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.
4. No Specific Treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever. Supportive
care and fluid management are critical to managing symptoms and preventing complications.
5. Vaccine: The Dengvaxia vaccine is available in some countries for individuals aged 9-45 years
who live in dengue-endemic areas and have been previously infected with dengue virus.

Swine Flu (H1N1 Influenza)

1. Novel Virus: Swine flu, or H1N1 influenza,
is caused by a novel influenza A virus that
emerged in 2009 and is a combination of
human, avian, and swine flu viruses.
2. Pandemic Status: The H1N1 virus led to a
global pandemic in 2009, with widespread
transmission affecting millions worldwide.
The World Health Organization declared it
a pandemic on June 11, 2009.

3. Symptoms: Symptoms of swine flu are similar
to seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore
throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.
Some people may also experience diarrhea and vomiting.

4. Vaccination: A specific vaccine for H1N1 was developed and distributed during the 2009
pandemic, which helped in controlling the spread of the virus. Seasonal flu vaccines now
include protection against H1N1.

5. Antiviral Medications: Antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza)
can be effective in treating H1N1 influenza, especially if administered early in the course of
the illness.

— 8 30