Important Facts
● Dengue fever (break-bone fever) is a viral infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes in the same way as malaria. It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates.
● Most people who get dengue fever won’t show any symptoms. But for those that do, the most common symptoms are high fever, headache, body aches, nausea and rash. Most will also get better in 1–2 weeks.
● In severe cases, dengue can be fatal. So, it is advised for those who will develop severe dengue, should visit the nearby hospital for further care.
● You can lower your risk of dengue by avoiding mosquito bites especially during the day.
● Dengue fever is treated with anti-pain medicine as there is no specific treatment currently.
What is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. About half of the world’s population is now at risk of dengue fever, with an estimated 100 to 400 million infections occurring each year.
Dengue is found in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. Dengue fever is most common in Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific islands, Latin America, and Africa. However, the disease has been spreading to new areas, including local outbreaks in Europe and the southern parts of the United States. While many dengue infections are asymptomatic or produce only mild illness, the virus can occasionally cause more severe cases, and even death.
Prevention and control of dengue depend on vector control. There is no specific treatment for dengue or severe dengue, but early detection and access to proper medical care greatly reduce the fatality rate of severe dengue.
There are four different but closely related dengue virus types: dengue-1, dengue-2, dengue-3, and dengue-4. Any of these four viruses can cause dengue.
Causes and Mode of Transmission
Dengue fever is caused by one of four closely related dengue viruses. It is not spread from person to person through direct contact. Instead, it is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
The two main mosquito species that spread dengue viruses-Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus-are commonly found in and around areas where people live. When a mosquito bites someone infected with the virus, it becomes a carrier. Later, if that mosquito bites another person, it can transmit the virus into their bloodstream, causing infection.
After recovering from dengue fever, you develop long-term immunity to the specific virus type that caused your illness. However, you are still vulnerable to the other three types. If you are infected again by a different type, your risk of developing severe dengue increases with each subsequent infection.
The Risk of developing Dengue Fever
Your risk of developing dengue fever - or a more severe form of the disease-increases if:
● You live in or travel to tropical or subtropical areas. These regions have a higher presence of mosquitoes that spread the dengue virus. High-risk areas include Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific islands, Latin America, and parts of Africa.
● You have had dengue fever before. A previous infection with one type of the dengue virus increases your risk of developing severe symptoms if you are infected again by a different type.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever
This illness often starts off feeling like a really bad flu. If someone suddenly gets a high fever—over 40°C (104°F)—and also experiences at least two of the following symptoms, it could be a sign of something serious:
● Severe headache.
● Pain behind the eyeball.
● Painful muscles and joints.
● Nausea.
● Vomiting.
● Rashes.
Dengue fever symptoms usually appear between 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Once they begin, the symptoms typically last anywhere from 2 to 7 days.
Symptoms of Severe Dengue Fever
In some cases, dengue fever can become very serious and may require emergency medical care. This severe form of the illness is known as dengue hemorrhagic fever. It can be life-threatening, so it's extremely important to seek medical help immediately if any warning signs appear.
Here are some symptoms of severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever) to watch out for:
● Severe stomach or abdominal pain
● Frequent vomiting
● Vomiting blood or passing blood in your stool
● Bleeding from the nose or gums
● Extreme tiredness, restlessness, or irritability
If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, don’t wait—get medical attention right away.
How Dengue Fever Is Diagnosed?
Dengue fever is usually diagnosed through a blood test.
Here’s how it works…
A healthcare provider will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm. This sample is then sent to a laboratory for further testing. In the lab, specialists will check for signs of the dengue virus in your blood. These tests help confirm whether or not you have dengue fever and can also identify the specific type of virus causing the infection.
Getting an early and accurate diagnosis is important for proper treatment and to prevent complications.
Treatment of Dengue Fever at home
There is currently no specific medicine to cure dengue fever. If you're experiencing symptoms that suggest you might have dengue and confirmed from your doctor, here are some important steps you can take to feel better and avoid complications:
● Take pain relievers carefully: You can use medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or paracetamol to reduce fever and relieve pain. However, avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
● Stay well hydrated: Drink plenty of water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear fluids like soup and fruit juices. Staying hydrated helps replace fluids lost due to fever, vomiting, or sweating.
● Get plenty of rest: Your body needs time and energy to fight off the virus, so make sure to rest as much as possible.
If your symptoms get worse or you notice any warning signs of severe dengue (like bleeding, vomiting blood, or extreme fatigue), seek medical care immediately.
Possible Complications of Severe Dengue Fever
In cases of severe dengue fever, serious complications can occur. When this happens, the patient needs close monitoring and specialized care in a hospital setting. Some of the potential complications include:
● Internal bleeding
● Damage to vital organs such as the heart and liver
● Dangerous low blood pressure (which can lead to shock)
● Difficulty breathing
● Seizures
● Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
● Swelling of the testicles or ovaries
Prevention of Dengue Fever
Currently, a dengue vaccine has been approved in some countries, including the United States, for people aged 9 to 16 years who live in areas where dengue is common (endemic). If a vaccine is available in your country, it is highly recommended to get vaccinated—especially if you live in or travel frequently to high-risk areas.
However, the most effective way to prevent dengue fever is to avoid mosquito bites. Here are some key steps to protect yourself and your family:
● Eliminate mosquito breeding sites, both indoors and outdoors. This includes emptying or removing containers that hold stagnant water, such as buckets, flower pots, and discarded tires.
● Cover, replace, or clean water storage containers and tanks at least once a week. Don’t forget to include vase water and pet water bowls.
● Use insect repellent creams or sprays on exposed skin, especially when going outside during early morning or late afternoon when mosquitoes are most active.
● Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants to reduce exposed skin.
● Ensure windows and doors have screens that are free from holes to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.
● Use insecticides or pesticides in and around your home, especially when there’s an outbreak in your area.
Protecting Others from Infection
If someone in your household is infected with dengue, it’s crucial to prevent further spread:
● Have the patient sleep under a mosquito net at all times, not just at night.
● Apply mosquito repellents regularly.
● Keep the environment free of mosquitoes by eliminating breeding grounds and using insect sprays.
This helps stop mosquitoes from biting the infected person and then spreading the virus to others.
Immunity After Recovery
After recovering from dengue fever, a person gains lifelong immunity against the specific type (serotype) of virus that caused the infection. However, this immunity is partial and temporary against other serotypes. A second infection with a different type increases the risk of developing severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever)—so prevention remains essential even after recovery.
Important Advice for Patients and Caregivers
If you or someone you know happens to show symptoms of severe dengue, do not delay seeking hospital care. Time is critical. Severe dengue can progress quickly, and early medical intervention can save lives. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely.
Keep a close eye on any changes in symptoms and report them to your doctor immediately.
