Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus. It is common in tropical and subtropical regions and spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever
Symptoms usually appear 4 to 10 days after the mosquito bite and can last for 2 to 7 days. Common signs include:
- High fever, often up to 104°F (40°C)
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Joint and muscle pain (sometimes called “breakbone fever”)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and weakness
- Skin rash appearing 2 to 5 days after fever starts
- Mild bleeding (nose or gum bleeding, easy bruising)
Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever)
In some cases, dengue can develop into a severe form called dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can cause:
- Severe bleeding
- Blood plasma leakage
- Organ damage
- Low platelet count
- Shock and even death if untreated
Seek emergency medical care if symptoms worsen or severe signs appear, such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, or difficulty breathing.
How Is Dengue Fever Treated?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. Care focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications:
- Rest: Plenty of bed rest to help the body recover
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids (water, oral rehydration solutions, juices) to prevent dehydration
- Fever and pain relief: Use acetaminophen (paracetamol) to reduce fever and relieve pain. Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because they increase bleeding risk.
- Medical monitoring: Regular check-ups to monitor platelet counts and signs of complications
Prevention of Dengue Fever
- Use mosquito repellents containing DEET or picaridin
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during mosquito active hours (early morning and late afternoon)
- Use mosquito nets and window screens
- Eliminate mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water around your home
- Community-wide mosquito control programs
When to See a Doctor
- If you have a high fever with severe headache, pain, or rash
- If you experience bleeding, difficulty breathing, or severe abdominal pain
- If symptoms suddenly worsen after initial improvement