Dengue

Please click the frequently asked questions below for further information and IPC precautions required:

• What is Dengue?

  Dengue, also known as dengue fever, is an infection spread by mosquitoes. It’s not usually serious and often gets better on its own. Some people get a more severe type of dengue, but this is rare.

  At-risk groups include those who:

  • are very young
  • are over 65
  • are pregnant
  • have a weakened immune system

  

• How does it spread?

  You can get dengue if you’re bitten by an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus bite during the day.

  Dengue is very common in certain parts of the world.

  It’s often found in tropical areas including:

  • parts of Africa and Asia
  • Central and South America
  • the Caribbean
  • the Pacific islands
  • some southern areas of North America

  There’s also a risk of getting dengue at certain times of the year (spring to November) in parts of southern Europe.

  European countries where dengue has been found include:

  • Croatia
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Portugal and Madeira

  Dengue is not found in the UK and you cannot catch it from another person.

• What are the symptoms?

  Dengue does not always cause symptoms.

  If you do have symptoms, they usually start 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

  They include:

  • a high temperature
  • a severe headache
  • pain behind your eyes
  • muscle and joint pain
  • feeling or being sick
  • swollen glands
  • a blotchy rash made up of flat or slightly raised spots – this can affect large areas of your body

  Severe Dengue symptoms may include:

  • severe tummy pain
  • repeatedly being sick
  • fast breathing
  • bleeding gums or nose
  • extreme tiredness (fatigue)
  • being unable to relax (restlessness)
  • blood in your vomit or poo
• Why is this important?

  If NIAS staff are aware that the patient has a suspected or confirmed case this should be communicated to the Control Room (Emergency or Non-emergency as appropriate) and the staff in the receiving unit when transferring the patient to ensure effective patient care and management.

• IPC Precautions
  • Standard Precautions should be used.
  • Hand Hygiene should be completed as per the 5 moments in line with usual practice.
  • Eye protection should be risk assessed for any concern regarding a splash risk.
  • Gloves and Aprons should be risk assessed and worn if contact with the patient’s blood or bodily fluids.
  • Laundry should be treated as per usual local policy.
• What cleaning is required?

  All equipment and the ambulance should have an in-between patient clean, paying particular attention to touch points.

• Do staff need prophylaxis or follow up?

  No staff follow up required.