Dengue fever is caused by which mosquito?

Appeared in: AIIMS Rishikesh NO - 2019

Explanation

Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.
The primary vector is Aedes aegypti, which is known for biting during the daytime, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon.
These mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant water found in and around homes, making container management a key preventive measure.
Other diseases transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes include Chikungunya, Zika fever, and Yellow fever.

Option B: The female Anopheles mosquito is the vector for malaria, a parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium species.
Option C: Culex mosquitoes are vectors for diseases like Japanese encephalitis, West Nile fever, and lymphatic filariasis.
Option D: Flies, such as the common housefly, can act as mechanical vectors for diseases like cholera and typhoid by transferring pathogens on their bodies, but they do not transmit dengue fever through bites.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vector-borne diseases and their specific mosquito vectors as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the specific vector for dengue is crucial for implementing targeted public health interventions, such as eliminating breeding sites (stagnant water) for Aedes mosquitoes, which is different from the strategies for Anopheles (bed nets).
Patient education should focus on protection during the day, wearing long sleeves, using mosquito repellent, and preventing water collection in containers like flower pots, old tires, and coolers.
What if? If a patient presented with fever, chills, and night sweats after visiting a different endemic area, the nurse should consider malaria and inquire about mosquito bites at night, shifting the focus to the Anopheles vector.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core question, which is asking for the specific mosquito vector of Dengue fever.
This is a factual recall question based on knowledge of communicable diseases.
Recall the common vector-borne diseases and their associated insects. Associate Dengue with the Aedes mosquito.
Evaluate the other options: Anopheles is famously linked to malaria, and Culex to Japanese encephalitis/filariasis. A fly is not the primary vector for dengue.
Select the option that correctly links the disease (Dengue) with its scientifically established vector.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart B (pp 233-449 of 464) p. 87-89

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 241-243

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 2073-2075

Practise the full AIIMS Rishikesh NO - 2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.