Prolonged Field Care Podcast 213: Dengue Fever

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis speaks with Dr. Ryan Maves, an infectious disease physician, about dengue fever, a significant tropical disease. They discuss the epidemiology, clinical presentation, management, and prevention strategies for dengue, emphasizing the importance of recognizing warning signs and providing supportive care. Dr. Maves shares insights from his extensive experience in tropical medicine, particularly during his time in the Navy and in Peru, where he conducted research on dengue and other vector-borne diseases. The conversation highlights the increasing relevance of dengue in both civilian and military contexts, especially in light of climate change and urbanization. Takeaways Dengue fever is part of the flavivirus family, which includes Zika and chikungunya. The disease is primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which thrives in urban areas. Dengue can cause severe morbidity, particularly in non-endemic populations. Management of dengue is largely supportive, with a focus on fluid resuscitation. Warning signs of severe dengue include persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, and altered mental status. Preventive measures include using insect repellent and controlling standing water. Dengue is endemic in many tropical regions, including parts of Latin America and Southeast Asia. Vaccines for dengue exist but are not widely available for adults. Dengue can present with a wide spectrum of symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. Public health strategies are crucial in controlling dengue outbreaks. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tropical Medicine and Dengue Fever 03:12 Understanding Dengue Fever: Background and Epidemiology 06:03 Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis of Dengue Fever 08:56 Management and Treatment of Dengue Fever 11:54 Warning Signs and Severe Dengue 15:13 Preventive Measures and Public Health Strategies 18:01 Final Thoughts on Dengue and Tropical Medicine Thank you to Delta Development Team for in part, sponsoring this podcast. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠deltadevteam.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more content go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prolongedfieldcare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Consider supporting us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care