Dengue, often referred to as break-bone fever, poses a considerable risk. The world has witnessed its spread as an epidemic, affecting millions globally. Amid this global health concern, some myths surrounding dengue are leading to misinformation and misguided treatment approaches. This article is going to debunk 10 myths about dengue. Let’s clear up these misconceptions about this formidable mosquito-borne disease for effective prevention.

10 Misconceptions about Dengue

Dengue is Contagious

Dengue primarily spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. It is not a contagious disease. It is not transmitted through person to person contacts.

While dengue is not typically transmitted from person to person, there are exceptional circumstances to consider. For instance, an infected pregnant mother can pass the virus to her developing fetus. Additionally, transmission via blood products, organ donation, and transfusions, while extremely rare, is not entirely impossible.

Read more: Exploring Dengue Diagnosis: The Essential Tests for Detecting the Virus

Dengue Prevails in Rural or Developing Areas

This myth does not hold when examining the global reach of this infectious disease.

Dengue is not limited to any specific geographical or economic boundaries. Dengue can occur in any country where the Aedes mosquito species are present. This includes tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, encompassing both urban and semi-urban areas.

Children and Elderly Are Susceptible to Dengue

It's crucial to clarify that dengue can affect individuals of all ages, regardless of their age, gender, or socioeconomic status.

Dengue virus does not discriminate based on age. People of all age groups are susceptible to dengue infection, and this includes infants, children, teenagers, and adults. It's true that certain risk categories, such as children and the elderly, are more vulnerable due to their potentially weakened immune systems. However, even healthy individuals can contract dengue or develop severe symptoms.

Read more: Dengue Fever: Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention

Any Mosquito Can Carry Dengue Virus

In reality, dengue can only be transmitted through the bite of a female mosquito belonging to the Aedes Aegypti or the Aedes Albopictus species. This certain species is distinguished by its characteristic white markings on the legs. The transmission occurs when it bites an infected individual and subsequently bites a healthy and non-infected person. After an incubation period of about a week, the same mosquito can transmit the disease to another individual. It makes these particular mosquito species the primary vectors for dengue transmission.

Dengue Mosquitoes Only Bite During the Day

While it is true that dengue-spreading mosquitoes are more active during the daytime, their feeding habits can extend into nighttime hours. These mosquitoes are typically most active around two hours after sunrise and a few hours before sunset. However, they have been observed biting people at night, particularly in well-lit areas.

One of the risk factors for nighttime exposure to dengue mosquitoes is the presence of artificial lighting. These mosquitoes can be drawn to indoor environments, including offices, malls, indoor auditoriums, and stadiums that use artificial lights throughout the day and night.

Read more: How to Protect Babies and Children from Dengue Fever

Dengue Affects Those Who Never Had the Virus Before

Dengue virus is categorized into four serotypes: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. Infection with one serotype may indeed provide immunity against that specific serotype. However, it does not confer immunity against the other serotypes. This means that an individual can be infected with dengue up to four times in their lifetime, once with each serotype.

The presence of multiple serotypes makes dengue a particularly challenging disease. If an individual is infected with one serotype and later becomes infected with another, the risk of developing severe dengue increases. This phenomenon, known as antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), can lead to more severe symptoms when exposed to a different serotype.

Platelet Count is a Definitive Indicator of Dengue

A comprehensive diagnosis should consider other clinical symptoms, blood tests, and medical history to determine the disease. While it is true that dengue patients experience a drop in their platelet counts, not every individual with low platelet levels has dengue. Other viral infections can lead to decreased platelet levels as part of the immune response.

Read more: Dengue vs. Severe Dengue: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention

Additionally, certain dietary choices, such as consuming cranberry juice or alcohol, are known to lower platelet counts. Medical conditions like cancer and anemia can also result in low platelet levels, either due to the underlying condition or medications used for treatment.

Goat’s Milk, Giloy, and Papaya Juice are Certified Cures for Dengue

Despite traditional beliefs and anecdotal reports, goat's milk, Giloy, and papaya juice are not scientifically proven cures for dengue. While papaya leaf extract has shown some potential in promoting platelet production, it does not constitute a complete cure for the disease. 

In some cases, they can even have the opposite negative effect. Consuming excessive papaya juice can cause gastric issues and vomiting. Vomiting or nausea should be avoided during dengue. In emergencies, doctors monitor platelet counts. At this time, things that create excess pressure inside the body should be avoided.

Read more: Best Foods to Increase Platelets in Dengue Fever

Platelet Transfusion is Mandatory in Dengue Treatment

In a healthy individual, the typical platelet count in the blood ranges from 150,000 to 410,000 platelets.

In dengue cases, platelet counts can drop significantly, but platelet transfusions are not always required. Dengue fever may lower the platelet level, initially from 150,000 to 50,000.

Platelet transfusions become critical when the platelet count drops below 10,000 platelets or when there is evidence of severe bleeding.

Platelet Transfusion is the Sole Way to Increase Platelets 

Platelet transfusion undoubtedly is essential in cases of dengue emergencies. However, many people become alarmed by relying solely on platelet transfusions. This common misconception often leaves them overlooking alternative methods.

Read more: Dengue Prevention: 10 Home Remedies to Repel Mosquitoes

Platelet levels can be naturally increased without resorting to artificial means. Specialist doctors may administer platelet transfusions along with other medications to dengue patients. Simultaneously, they recommend adopting necessary dietary habits. This diet may include:

Papaya leaf extract, which naturally stimulates platelet formation through the ALOX-12 enzyme.
Hydration through canned water and pomegranate juice to prevent dehydration.
Foods rich in folate, such as oranges, cranberries, tomatoes, and dragon fruit.

Takeaways

Dispelling these 10 myths about dengue has clarified important aspects of the disease. It's crucial to recognize that dengue is a serious illness, bringing with it dangerous consequences that offer no way back. The absence of a specific cure demands early detection and immediate action for individuals to safeguard their health and communities. Accurate knowledge is the first line of defense in mitigating the impact of this mosquito-borne disease.

Read more: 13 Tips to Avoid Mosquito Bites