Dengue fever is caused by infection with one of four dengue viruses, and it is spread through mosquito bites.
How Dengue Spreads
Dengue viruses aren't spread directly from person to person. Instead, mosquitoes act as vectors, transmitting the virus after biting an infected individual. Here's a breakdown:
- The Culprits: The two main types of mosquitoes responsible for spreading dengue are common in areas where people live, specifically Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
- Transmission: When a mosquito bites someone infected with a dengue virus, the mosquito becomes infected. It can then transmit the virus to other people through subsequent bites.
- No Direct Contact: You cannot get dengue fever simply by being near someone who is infected. The virus must be transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Key Facts About Dengue Viruses
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of types | Four distinct serotypes of dengue viruses exist. |
| Immunity | Infection with one type provides lifelong immunity to that specific type only. |
| Risk of severe dengue | Subsequent infections with different serotypes can increase the risk of developing severe dengue. |
