The dengue virus can negatively affect the brain and nervous system and cause serious complications. It all starts when the dengue virus enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body.
Dengue is a vector-borne disease that occurs when a person is bitten by an infectious mosquito, especially the Aedes aegypti mosquito. These female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes bite humans to obtain proteins that are crucial for the development of eggs and in this process, they can easily transmit this virus. These mosquitoes are active mainly after sunrise and a few hours before sunset. However, these mosquitoes can bite even at night. They use natural habitats and places like tree and plant holes, flower pots, algae, water tanks, tires, and containers to lay their eggs.
The lifespan of these Aedes aegypti mosquitoes does not exceed three weeks. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are the main suspects in causing viral diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika virus and yellow fever virus. Symptoms such as pain in the abdominal area, fever that starts off mild and worsens over time, red spots on the skin that make it more sensitive, severe headache, episodes of vomiting, high fever, nausea, fatigue and swollen glands may be experienced.
How does dengue affect the brain and nervous system?
Dr Harish Chafle, Senior Intensive Care Physician, Bronchoscopist and Sleep Disorders Specialist at Gleneagles Hospital Parel spoke to India.com and shared, “The dengue virus can adversely affect the brain and nervous system and cause severe complications. It all starts when the dengue virus enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body. The virus affects the cells of the immune system, specifically in the lymph nodes. The immune system releases various cytokines, a type of proteins to actively fight the dengue virus. This sudden response of the immune system can aggravate symptoms like inflammation, swelling, irritation and damage to various tissues of the brain.”
He added that “dengue fever weakens the blood-brain barrier, which is a kind of protective layer that prevents harmful substances or viruses from entering the brain. This virus can significantly infect neurons (brain cells) and cause serious damage and impair brain function. Dengue can lead to life-threatening complications such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord) and myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord).”
Tips to minimize the risk of dengue
• Call the Municipal Corporation or authorities when you notice an increase in mosquitoes around your neighborhood.
• Immediately dispose of recyclable containers or boxes that may create a perfect breeding environment for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
• Apply mosquito repellents with ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil for better protection against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes when going outdoors.
• Keep doors and windows closed to prevent these mosquitoes from entering your home and infecting your loved ones.
Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you have symptoms suggestive of dengue fever. As this is a severe form of dengue fever, early detection and treatment can prevent its fatal complications.
