Final Up to date:
Had dengue as soon as? You’ll be able to nonetheless get contaminated once more. A health care provider explains dengue serotypes, reinfection, extreme dengue danger and defend your self.
A earlier dengue an infection doesn’t assure lifelong safety, making mosquito-bite prevention important to scale back the danger of reinfection and extreme illness.
Dengue is usually handled as a one-time sickness, with many individuals assuming that recovering from the an infection means they’re protected for all times. However that’s not essentially the case. Dengue is attributable to 4 intently associated virus serotypes, and an infection with one doesn’t present lasting immunity in opposition to the others. In truth, a subsequent an infection with a unique serotype can carry a larger danger of extreme dengue.
As mosquito-borne sicknesses stay a significant public well being concern, prevention continues to be significantly necessary. Dengue is transmitted by contaminated Aedes mosquitoes, which generally chew throughout the daytime and may breed in stagnant water round properties and communities. Eradicating breeding websites, stopping mosquito bites and looking for well timed medical care when signs seem stay key to decreasing the danger of issues.
Why Can Dengue Occur Extra Than As soon as?
“Dengue just isn’t essentially a one-time sickness. Having dengue as soon as doesn’t imply an individual is protected against getting it once more. An individual can get dengue as much as 4 instances of their lifetime,” explains Dr Sandeep Budhiraja, Group Chairman, Inside Drugs & Group Medical Director, Max Healthcare, Delhi.
“It’s because dengue is attributable to 4 distinct virus varieties, known as serotypes, DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4, all of which might flow into in dengue-endemic areas. An infection with one serotype usually gives lifelong immunity in opposition to that individual kind, however safety in opposition to different varieties lasts just for a restricted interval. This implies an individual can get dengue greater than as soon as, doubtlessly even throughout the similar yr.”
Why Can A Second An infection Be Extra Critical?
A second dengue an infection involving a unique serotype is especially necessary as a result of it might improve the danger of extreme illness. WHO notes that sequential an infection with completely different dengue serotypes is related to a larger danger of extreme dengue.
Dr. Budhiraja explains that that is linked to a course of often known as antibody-dependent enhancement, or ADE. Throughout a primary an infection, the physique develops antibodies in opposition to that individual dengue serotype. If an individual later encounters a unique serotype, some current antibodies could bind to the brand new virus with out neutralising it successfully. This will facilitate viral entry into sure immune cells and doubtlessly contribute to larger viral ranges and extra extreme illness.
“For this reason a earlier dengue an infection shouldn’t create a false sense of safety. In truth, it makes continued prevention significantly necessary,” he says.
World Mosquito Day Reminder: Prevention Nonetheless Issues
Noticed on August 20, World Mosquito Day serves as an necessary reminder of the ailments transmitted by mosquitoes and the significance of mosquito management. With no particular antiviral therapy for dengue, prevention and early medical consideration stay essential.
Individuals can cut back their danger by eliminating stagnant water round their properties, protecting water containers lined, utilizing mosquito repellents, carrying clothes that covers the legs and arms, and utilizing mosquito nets when resting throughout the day. Vaccination can also kind a part of dengue prevention methods in particular populations and settings, consistent with present WHO suggestions.
Key Questions Answered
Ask News18The 4 dengue serotypes are DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4.
Ask News18Concerning the Writer
Swati Chaturvedi is a seasoned media skilled with over 13 years of expertise in journalism, digital content material technique, and editorial management throughout high nationwide media homes. An alumna of Girl…Learn Extra
August 20, 2026, 08:05 IST
