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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