12-Dengue Virus Awareness

This presentation is a plain—language teaching tool designed to raise awareness about dengue prevention and can be translated for use by medical and community mission groups. Dengue is a mosquito—borne virus with four distinct strains. While an initial infection causes flu—like symptoms, a second infection with a different strain can trigger a severe immune response, leading to hemorrhagic fever or septic shock. Frequent travelers and volunteers in endemic areas—especially those on faith—based medical missions—are at higher risk. With no vaccine or cure, prevention is key. Protective measures include repellents, bed nets, layered clothing, screened living spaces, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites. Using a developmental research approach, the instructor created an instructional PowerPoint® presentation to educate church—based medical mission volunteers traveling to Africa. However, this information is vital for all travelers heading to dengue—prone regions. The goal is to prevent travelers from unknowingly bringing dengue home, reducing its spread and impact on global health. Max: 85