Going through dengue fever once is no walk in the park. Unfortunately, science says that contracting it makes it more likely you'll have to experience the whole thing all over again. According to a study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, once you've been infected with the dengue virus once, the chances of getting infected much more severely increases.

There are four types of dengue viruses that you can be infected with. Under these four types is another set of subtypes. Once you contract one virus, your immune system releases antibodies to fight it off. When a new type of virus enters your body, however, your immune system becomes confused and may end up allowing the new invader to pass through easily. According to lead author Molly OhAinle, "Instead of neutralizing the viruses, the antibodies bind to them in a way that actually helps them invade the immune system's other cells and spread."

To find out more about the curious fluke, researchers consolidated data from two independent Nicaraguan-based studies. After following the paper trail and analyzing blood samples, they found out that there was indeed a significant increase in dengue disease over time. Genetic changes were detected in the virus, but only in the context of a pre-existing immune response against the specific dengue virus. For example, kids who had been infected with the dengue virus 3 had a greater risk of being infected with subtype 2B of dengue virus 2.

It’s not the best scenario around, but the study does justify the need for a strong dengue virus vaccination. And while scientists are still trying to come up with a plan, it is still up to you to protect yourself and your family. Prevention is always better than cure.


For more on dealing with dengue, check these out on FN:

• Detect and Protect: 5 Things Everyone Should Know about Dengue
  
• Dengue Cases Reach Alarming Rates
• 5 Tips for Dengue Prevention

(Photo by Rob Ireton via Flickr Creative Commons)