Dengue fever

Overview

Dengue fever, also known as “break-bone fever,” is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. While many dengue infections are asymptomatic or cause only mild illness, the virus can occasionally lead to severe cases and even death.

Types of Dengue fever

1. Dengue Virus Serotypes:

   • Dengue is caused by four distinct serotypes: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4.
   • Each serotype can cause similar symptoms but may differ in severity.

2. Dengue Fever (Mild):

   • Most people infected with dengue experience mild symptoms, including:
     • High fever (40°C/104°F)
     • Headache
     • Muscle and joint pains
     • Nausea
     • Rash
   • Recovery typically occurs within 1–2 weeks.

3. Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome):

   • In some cases, dengue can progress to severe forms characterized by:
     • Severe abdominal pain
     • Persistent vomiting
     • Rapid breathing
     • Bleeding gums or nose
     • Fatigue
     • Restlessness
     • Blood in vomit or stool
     • Pale and cold skin
     • Severe dengue can be fatal.

Causes of Dengue fever

• Viral Transmission:
  • Aedes mosquitoes (primarily Aedes aegypti) transmit the dengue virus.
  • Humans become infected when bitten by an infected mosquito.

Risk Factors of Dengue fever

• Living in or traveling to dengue-endemic areas.
• Lack of effective mosquito control measures.
• Prior dengue infection increases the risk of severe dengue.

Symptoms of Dengue fever

Preventions of Dengue fever

• Mosquito Avoidance:
  • Use insect repellent.
  • Wear protective clothing.
  • Eliminate mosquito breeding sites (stagnant water).
• Vaccination:
  • No specific vaccine exists, but research is ongoing.

Diagnosis of Dengue fever

• Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, travel history, and laboratory tests (e.g., PCR or serology).
• Evaluation includes assessing vital signs, fluid balance, and organ function.

Treatment for Dengue fever

• No specific antiviral treatment exists for dengue.
• Focus on managing symptoms:
  • Pain relief (acetaminophen/paracetamol).
  • Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) due to bleeding risk.
• Severe cases require hospitalization and supportive care.

When to seek medical attention ?

• Seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms or suspect dengue.
• After recovery, fatigue may persist for several weeks.