Preventing the Transmission of Dengue Fever Among Families and Communities

Dengue fever (breakbone fever) is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates. Over the past few years, dengue fever has been acquired from mosquitos more frequently in some parts of the U.S., especially Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Dengue fever is a serious concern due to its potential to cause severe complications such as severe illness that causes bleeding inside and outside the body and a significant drop in blood pressure, which can be life-threatening, especially in children.

Dengue fever is mainly spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes:

1. When a mosquito bites a person who is infected with the dengue virus, it becomes a carrier of the virus.
2. Once infected, the mosquito can infect new (healthy) people with the virus when it bites them.
3. The mosquito remains infectious for the rest of its life, potentially biting more people, which is typically several weeks.

Only 25% of adults and children infected with dengue fever will have symptoms, which usually begin 4-10 days after a person has been bitten by an infected mosquito.

Early recognition of dengue symptoms is important. If you or your child show any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention quickly:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Joint and muscle pain
• Rash
• Mild bleeding

Mosquitoes infected with dengue fever are most active during the daytime, especially around dawn and dusk. They prefer to breed in standing water found in and around homes, such as flower pots, buckets, discarded tires, and containers.

To help prevent the spread of dengue fever among your family and community:

• Mosquitos like standing water, so to keep them away, make sure all containers around the house and outside are empty.
• Make sure that you and your children always wear long-sleeved shirts and pants so that mosquitoes can’t bite you and make you sick with dengue fever.
• Use mosquito repellents on exposed skin and clothing. The American Academy of Pediatrics provides guidance for how caregivers can choose a safe and effective insect repellent for their child: How to Choose an Insect Repellent for Your Child