Dengue Fever: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

Dengue fever is a viral infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It can cause mild to severe symptoms, and sometimes it can be life-threatening. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes and symptoms of dengue fever, how to diagnose it, and how to prevent and treat it.

Causes of Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a viral disease that is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes are the vectors responsible for transmitting the dengue virus to humans through their bites.

There are four types of dengue virus, and infection with one type does not provide immunity to the others. The main cause of dengue fever is the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito, which usually bites during the day. The mosquito can become infected by biting a person who has the virus in their blood, and then transmit it to another person.

Mild Dengue Fever Symptoms

Most people who get infected with dengue virus do not have any symptoms or have only mild ones. These symptoms usually appear 4 to 10 days after the mosquito bite and last for 2 to 7 days. They may include:

High fever (104 F or 40 C)
Headache, especially behind the eyes
Muscle, bone or joint pain
Nausea or vomiting
Rash, which may appear as red spots or patches on the skin
Swollen glands

These symptoms can be easily confused with other illnesses, such as the flu or COVID-19. Therefore, it is important to see a health care provider if you have a fever and have recently traveled to an area where dengue is common. You should also tell your provider about any medications you are taking, especially aspirin or ibuprofen, which can increase the risk of bleeding.

Severe Dengue Fever Symptoms

About 1 in 20 people who get sick with dengue fever develop severe dengue, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate hospitalization. Severe dengue can cause:

Bleeding from the nose, gums, or other parts of the body
Blood in the urine, stool, or vomit
Severe abdominal pain
Persistent vomiting
Difficulty breathing
Fatigue or restlessness
Low blood pressure or shock

Severe dengue can damage the blood vessels and reduce the number of platelets, which are cells that help the blood clot. This can lead to internal bleeding, organ failure, and death. Severe dengue is more likely to occur in people who have had a previous infection with a different type of dengue virus, as well as in infants and pregnant women.

Severe dengue symptoms usually appear after the fever goes away, usually within 24 to 48 hours. If you or someone you know has any of these warning signs, you should seek medical attention right away.

Diagnosis of Dengue Fever

To diagnose dengue fever, your health care provider will ask you about your symptoms, travel history, and exposure to mosquitoes. They will also perform a physical examination and order some blood tests. These tests may include:

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which can detect the presence of the virus in your blood sample
Antibody test, which can measure your immune response to the virus
Complete blood count (CBC), which can check your levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets

These tests can help confirm the diagnosis of dengue fever and rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. They can also help monitor the severity of your infection and guide your treatment.

Treatment of Dengue Fever

There is no specific medicine or vaccine for dengue fever. The treatment is mainly supportive and aims to relieve your symptoms and prevent complications. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need to:

Rest as much as possible and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
Take acetaminophen (paracetamol) to reduce fever and pain (do not take aspirin or ibuprofen)
Receive intravenous fluids and electrolytes to replace what you lose from vomiting or bleeding
Receive blood transfusions if your platelet count is very low or you have severe bleeding
Receive oxygen therapy if you have difficulty breathing

The recovery time for dengue fever varies depending on the individual and the type of infection. Most people with mild dengue recover within a week or so, while those with severe dengue may take longer and need intensive care.

Prevention of Dengue Fever

The best way to prevent dengue fever is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes that carry the virus. This can be done by:

Using insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on your skin and clothing
Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors
Sleeping under a mosquito net or in an air-conditioned room
Installing screens on windows and doors
Eliminating mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water from containers, such as buckets, pots, tires, etc.
Applying larvicides or insecticides to water sources where mosquitoes breed

There is also a vaccine for dengue fever that is available in some countries, but it is not recommended for everyone. The vaccine is only approved for people aged 9 to 45 years who live in areas where dengue is endemic and who have had a previous infection with the virus. The vaccine is not effective for people who have never been exposed to the virus or who are at risk of severe dengue. Therefore, you should consult your doctor before getting the vaccine and continue to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Conclusion

Dengue fever is a serious disease that can cause mild to severe symptoms, and sometimes death. It is spread by mosquitoes that are infected with the virus. The symptoms of dengue fever include fever, headache, pain, rash, and bleeding. The diagnosis of dengue fever is based on your symptoms, travel history, and blood tests. The treatment of dengue fever is supportive and depends on the severity of your infection. The prevention of dengue fever involves avoiding mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding sites. There is also a vaccine for dengue fever, but it is not suitable for everyone.

If you have any questions or concerns about dengue fever, you should talk to your health care provider or visit a local clinic or hospital. Dengue fever can be a serious illness, but it can be prevented and treated if you take the necessary steps.

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