Dengue Fever
Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms of dengue can include a high fever (104°F/40°C), rash, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, and muscle or joint pain. Most symptoms appear within 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and last for 3 to 7 days. However, 1 in 20 people may develop severe dengue, a more serious form of the illness characterized by abdominal pain, bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool, and extreme tiredness or restlessness.
Severe dengue occurs when the virus causes blood vessel damage, leading to internal bleeding. Aedes mosquitoes, which are also responsible for transmitting Zika and chikungunya viruses, spread dengue when they bite an infected person and then bite someone else. The virus is not transmitted directly from person to person except in rare cases, such as from a pregnant individual to their child during childbirth.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Dengue fever is diagnosed via blood tests that identify the virus or antibodies. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for the virus. Management focuses on relieving symptoms, including staying hydrated, resting, and avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, which can increase the risk of bleeding. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is recommended for pain relief.
Prevention
Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to avoid dengue fever. Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed. If you’ve already had dengue, you may be eligible for a vaccine (Dengvaxia™), which can help protect against severe dengue from future infections. However, the vaccine is only recommended for those who have had a prior dengue infection, as getting vaccinated without previous exposure can actually increase the risk of severe illness.
Outlook
Most people recover from dengue fever without complications. However, re-infection with another strain of the virus can increase the risk of severe dengue. While severe dengue is rare, it can be life-threatening if not treated promptly in a medical facility.
Pregnant individuals are at risk of complications, such as miscarriage, low birth weight, or premature birth if infected with dengue. Preventive measures and timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes for both mother and child.
Common Questions
Is dengue deadlier than malaria? While dengue and malaria are both serious, malaria has a higher fatality rate worldwide. Around 0.01% of those infected with dengue die each year compared to 0.3% of those with malaria.
Can I get dengue more than once? Yes, because there are four strains of the dengue virus. Getting infected with one strain provides immunity only to that specific strain, leaving you vulnerable to the other three.
For further information, you can explore reputable sources such as:
- World Health Organization (WHO): Dengue and severe dengue
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Dengue
- Mayo Clinic: Dengue fever