Dengue Fever cannot spread through kissing but avoid mosquitoe bites – Health Professional

Madam Gifty Akomening, Public Health Promotion Officer at Kpone Katamanso Health Directorate, has recommended Ghanaians take every precaution to avoid or reduce their chance of contracting dengue fever by protecting themselves from mosquito bites.

The health professional noted that mosquitoes that spread dengue are active during the day.

She has therefore encouraged the public to wear clothes that cover as much of the body as possible and to use mosquito nets if sleeping during the day, ideally nets sprayed with insect repellent.

Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, she noted that dengue (break-bone fever) is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people.

She explained that most people who get dengue fever, will not have symptoms.

But for those who do, the most common symptoms are high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash.

She stated that, while dengue is not contagious, if a mosquito bites an infected person and then attacks someone who is sleeping next to the sick person, that person is likely to become infected.

The professional told host Kwabena Agyapong that while many dengue infections are asymptomatic or produce only mild illness, the virus can occasionally cause more severe cases and even death.

Symptoms of dengue fever usually begin 4–10 days after infection and last for 2–7 days. Symptoms may include a high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, and swollen glands and rash.”

When questioned if it could be spread by kissing, she replied, “Dengue cannot be transmitted through kissing.” If a mosquito bites an infected person and then bites another person, the second person is likely to get infected. A blood transfusion might also cause infection.”

“There is currently no specific treatment for dengue.” The emphasis is on addressing the symptoms. The testament will take about a week, and you will respond to it. There’s no need to panic. We must keep vigilant and avoid mosquito bites.

She also revealed that dengue fever affect domestic animals like dogs, cats, monkeys, and others.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has officially declared an outbreak of dengue fever in the eastern region.

The GHS said a total of nine cases have been confirmed after samples were sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR).

A statement signed by Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of GHS, explained that these cases did not respond to antimalarial treatment and were therefore managed as acute febrile illnesses.

The highest number of dengue cases was recorded in 2023, affecting over 80 countries in all regions of the WHO.

The data from the WHO showed that ongoing transmission, combined with an unexpected spike in dengue cases, resulted in a historic high of over 6.5 million cases and more than 7,300 dengue-related deaths reported since 2023.