DENGUE IN THE WESTERN-HEMISPHERE

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. T here are four serotypes present in the western hemisphere. Dengue clin ically is most frequently characterized by fever, myalgia, and a rash which is self-limited. In a small number of patients hemorrhagic manif estations or dengue shock syndrome may occur. There is no specific tre atment for dengue, and the diagnosis is made on clinical grounds which can be confirmed by serology or virus isolation. The most effective p revention of the spread of dengue involves mosquito control.