Dengue
On this page, you will find everything you are looking for regarding dengue fever.
What is dengue fever?
Dengue fever is a disease you can contract from the bite of a mosquito carrying one of the four strains of the dengue fever virus. This virus is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, including Central and South America, Africa, parts of Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
Dengue fever is not contagious from person to person except when transferred from a pregnant woman to her child. Symptoms are usually mild with the first infection, but if you contract another infection, your risk of severe complications increases.
What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
- Most cases of dengue fever infection do not cause symptoms. If you have symptoms that resemble flu, including:
- Nausea or vomiting.
- High fever.
- Severe headache.
- Pain behind the eyes.
- Muscle and joint pains.
- Swollen glands.
A rash consisting of flat or slightly raised spots – this can affect large areas of your body.
What causes dengue fever?
Dengue fever is caused by one of four strains of the dengue fever virus. When a mosquito infected with the dengue virus bites you and the virus enters the bloodstream, both the virus itself and your immune response can make you feel ill.
What are the diagnostic methods?
- The doctor takes a medical history and performs a clinical examination, based on which they may request certain tests and additional procedures such as:
- Blood test, which may also determine which of the four strains you have.
Your doctor might use a blood test to look for other viruses that cause similar symptoms.
What are the treatment methods for dengue fever?
- There is no cure for dengue fever, but there are several things your doctor might suggest to help you relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life until your body builds immunity to the virus, including:
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fluids.
- Getting as much rest as possible.
Pain relief using some prescribed medications.
What are the preventive measures for dengue fever?
The two main ways to protect yourself from dengue fever are by avoiding mosquito bites and vaccination (vaccination is recommended only for those who have previously been exposed to dengue fever).
What are the complications of dengue fever?
- Some people develop a more severe type of dengue fever a few days after they first start feeling ill, but this is rare. You may start to feel better as your temperature returns to normal, but about 24 to 48 hours later, you may develop more severe symptoms, which may include:
- Severe abdominal pain.
- Rapid breathing.
- Bleeding gums or nose.
- Extreme fatigue and exhaustion.
- Inability to relax (insomnia).
Blood in vomit or stool.
When should you see a doctor?
If you live in or have recently visited an area where dengue fever is prevalent, contact your healthcare provider when dengue fever symptoms appear. They will provide you with recommendations on how to care for yourself and when to seek additional treatment.
FAQs:
Can a person who gets dengue fever get it again?
The body builds immunity against dengue fever, but multiple strains of the dengue virus may cause it again, and the symptoms may be more severe. Therefore, the dengue fever vaccine is recommended for those who have previously been exposed to the disease.
Is dengue fever more dangerous than malaria?
