1200 cases of Dengue in Cali this year

[Michael B]

I'm not exactaly sure what this disease is (I have no formal medical training and no one I know has ever had it) but it seems to be pretty serious. My wife was explaing to me that it's similar to yellow fever.  And isn't this just great, the barrio hit hardest is where she's from (and where my step daughters still are). Anybody heard of this pandemic and/or have knowlegde of the disease?

See link for the complete story
http://elpais-cali.terra.com.co/historico/ago202005/MTR/B120N1.html

[Hoda]

... in response to 1200 cases of Dengue in Cali this year, posted by Michael B on Aug 21, 2005


When I visited Tumaco & Buenaventura, those dayyum skeeters were some vicious bastards. I swear, I heard them skeeters laughing their asses off, when we applied repellent...

[zack]

... in response to I wonder, how many cases occur along the..., posted by Hoda on Aug 22, 2005

Maybe that is how Dengue got it's name:

"DENG, these skeeters are vicious!"

;-)

[Fuzzyone]

... in response to I wonder, how many cases occur along the..., posted by Hoda on Aug 22, 2005

While I was in Barranquilla last month I thought I was being robbed, I could
have swore I had been stabbed in the arm it hurt so bad. Turned out one of
those skeeters decided to make a lunch out of me. What got to me was they are
so small compared the the skeeters here in the N.E.

[Malandro]

... in response to I wonder, how many cases occur along the..., posted by Hoda on Aug 22, 2005

because that is where the skeeters are.   also low lying areas.   since Cali is a large city in a relatively low lying area you will have alot of cases.

I bet you do not find many cases in Bogota (too cold)  whatsoever and not as many in Medellin either.

check the dengue distribution map.  Note the coastal areas it is particularly prevalent

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/dengue/map-distribution-2000.htm

[Gator]

... in response to 1200 cases of Dengue in Cali this year, posted by Michael B on Aug 21, 2005

but Dengue is always present in the Cali.  There have been 1200 reported cased mostly in the barrios of Ciudad Córdoba, Ciudadela Comfandi, El Troncal, Aranjuez, Bretaña y República de Israel. Of more concern are the 150 case of dengue hemorrhagic fever.  This is the really bad form of the disease and can cause death.  No vaccine of inoculations available-spread by the same strain of mosquito that cause Yellow Fever.

Both the wife and I have had this, dengue, and it's no fun.  Like a severe case of full-blown flu.  You ache all over big time-that where it gets it's other name, Break Bone Fever.

[Pete E]

... in response to 1200 cases of Dengue in Cali this year, posted by Michael B on Aug 21, 2005

Its caused by a certain type of mosquito that only flys/bites in the daylight.
It causes a flu like sickness.No fun but not real serious usually,but an person in frail health might die from it.
My girl friends nephew had it.He was pretty sick for awhile.

Pete

[Malandro]

... in response to 1200 cases of Dengue in Cali this year, posted by Michael B on Aug 21, 2005

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/dengue/dengue-qa.htm

spread by mosquitos.  read the cdc site for details.  

I never had it but know people that have.  I've heard it that it feels like a terrible case of the flu and you feel absolutely like you are going to die and that death would be a welcome reprieve.  most people recover though.  

there is no cure for dengue fever and the worst form is sometimes fatal.

[Kiltboy1]

... in response to 1200 cases of Dengue in Cali this year, posted by Michael B on Aug 21, 2005

It is a Mild form of Malaria and effects the joints of the body
I had it 25 years ago when i lived in St Thomas. It is not fun !!!!!

[zack]

... in response to Re: 1200 cases of Dengue in Cali this ye..., posted by Kiltboy1 on Aug 21, 2005

I don't think that Dengue is a form of Malaria. They are similar in that they are both spread by mosquitos. However, Malaria is caused by a parasitic protazoa where as Dengue is caused by a virus. Big difference. That is why Malaria is treatable but Dengue is not.

Zack

[Hoda]

... in response to Re: Re: 1200 cases of Dengue in Cali thi..., posted by zack on Aug 21, 2005


just wait for Dengue work it's way out of one's system? Isn't there something one can take to lessen the discomfort of the virus?

[zack]

... in response to So must one...., posted by Hoda on Aug 22, 2005

Yes, one must wait for the virus to be eliminated, usually 2 to 7 days. In the meantime, acetaminophen (tylenol) can lessen the fever and headaches, and phenergan can lessen the nausea (if it can be kept down). The more severe cases require hospitalization with IV fluid replacement.

There is no vaccine for Dengue. The best way to prevent it is to stay in air conditioned or screened in areas. If you want to spend a lot of time outdoors, spray on some mosquito repellent.

[Red Clay]

... in response to So must one...., posted by Hoda on Aug 22, 2005

Or, could one be vaccinated against it in advance?

[Malandro]

... in response to Re: So must one...., posted by Red Clay on Aug 22, 2005

n/t