According to WebMd.com, an estimated 390 million cases of dengue occur across the world every year. Most of these cases occur in tropical areas, with India being one of the countries where dengue causes havoc. Staggering facts, aren't they?

Dengue is transmitted by the bite of female mosquitoes, specifically Aedes aegypti. It can affect anyone, from infants to adults, but occurs with more severity in people with low immunity. Also known as ‘breakbone fever’ and ‘dandy fever’, dengue often tends to rear its ugly head during monsoons.

Symptoms of dengue include headache, body ache, sore throat and rashes on the body. In its more severe form, there might be evidence of bleeding (haemorrhage) in the body. Small red or purple spots, black stools and easy bruising are the symptoms. According to MedicineNet.com, this form of dengue is usually life-threatening.

According to the World Health Organization, early clinical diagnosis and careful clinical management by a team of trained physicians and nurses increase the chance of survival in patients suffering from severe dengue.

WebMd says that there is no specific treatment for dengue although you can use pain relievers like acetaminophen. It is also advisable to rest well, drink plenty of fluids and see the doctor. Preventing mosquito bites is the best way of keeping dengue at bay.

4 ways to prevent your child from getting dengue

• Use mosquito repellents
  
• Use mosquito nets to cover the bed
  
• Dress your child in long-sleeved clothing
  
• Get rid of stagnant water around the house

To know about other causes of dengue and methods to combat it, flip through the pages of this ClipBook.