New cases of dengue fever have been reported in the small campo town of Fantino de Cotui, Dominican Republic.

Dengue also called “breakbone” or “dandy fever” is a serious disease that causes high fever and intense joint and muscle pain. More serious cases of dengue can also cause bleeding gums, sever pain behind the eyes and red palms and soles.

Dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes (striped Aedes aegypti mosquito) so one of the best ways to prevent contracting this illness is to put screens on your windows or use mosquito nets when you sleep. It also helps if you have a fan on in the room when you sleep. When you are out and about it is a good idea to wear a insect repellent with deet to avoid getting bit. It is also good to note that this mosquito prefers to bite during the day and is a small, dark mosquito with white lyre shaped markings and banded legs.

Dengue fever is caused by a virus. Because of this there is no actually treatment or antibiotic to treat the disease. Treatment consists of making the victim more comfortable and relieving symptoms.