Dengue is caused by a virus that is spread by mosquitoes. The virus has been identified in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, and some Pacific and Indian islands.
Many animals can carry the virus without symptoms, including bats, dogs, birds, nonhuman primates (like monkeys and baboons), cows, horses, rodents, pigs, and marsupials.
Animals can't spread dengue directly to people. The most common source of infection for mosquitoes is people. Although people can't spread this infection directly to others, infected people or animals can spread the virus to another mosquito when they are bitten.
Symptoms of Dengue in Animals
Although many types of animals can carry dengue and act as a source of infection, they don't develop symptoms.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Dengue in Animals
Diagnosis of dengue in animals is through blood testing.
There is no specific treatment for dengue infection.
Prevention of Dengue
The best way to prevent dengue is to protect against mosquito bites, with a combination of environmental control (like getting rid of standing water), physical barriers such as protective clothing and mosquito netting, and insect repellents.
Important Zoonotic Points Regarding Dengue
Dengue is caused by a virus that is spread by mosquito bites.
Animals can't spread this disease directly to people.
Exceptions:
People working with the blood of infected people can get infected.
Pregnant women who are infected can transmit the virus to their fetus.
Mosquito control is the most important step in disease prevention.
There is no specific treatment for dengue.
