Dengue Fever: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Dengue fever is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. It is a common disease in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, affecting millions of people each year.
Causes of Dengue Fever
There are four types of dengue viruses (DENV), belonging to the flavivirus family, that cause dengue fever. An infected female Aedes mosquito bites during the day to spread the virus. By biting a person with dengue fever, the mosquito can infect and transmit the virus to another individual. DENV has at least four strains, and any of them can infect a person. A second infection with a different strain can increase the risk of severe complications, but infection with one strain does not provide immunity to the others.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever
The symptoms of dengue fever usually appear 4 to 10 days after the mosquito bite. The symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the infection, but they typically include:
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High fever (104 F or 40 C)
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Headache
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Pain behind the eyes
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Muscle, joint, or bone pain
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Nausea or vomiting
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Rash
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Swollen glands
Some people may have mild or no symptoms at all, while others may develop severe dengue, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. Severe dengue is a medical emergency that can cause:
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Bleeding from the nose, gums, or skin
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Blood in the urine, stool, or vomit
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Severe abdominal pain
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Persistent vomiting
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Difficulty breathing
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Low blood pressure or shock
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Organ failure
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Death
The warning signs of severe dengue usually occur after the fever subsides, and they require immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis of Dengue Fever
Blood tests can identify dengue fever by detecting the virus or its antibodies. They should be performed as soon as possible after onset of symptoms, as the virus may not be detectable after a week. The blood test can also help determine the type of DENV and the level of platelets, which are blood cells that help with clotting. A low platelet count can indicate severe dengue and an increased risk of bleeding.
Treatment of Dengue Fever
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever, and the main goal is to relieve the symptoms and prevent complications. The treatment may include:
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Resting and drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
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Taking acetaminophen or paracetamol to reduce fever and pain
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Avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as they can increase the risk of bleeding
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Seeking medical care if the symptoms worsen or the warning signs of severe dengue appear
Severe dengue requires hospitalization and intensive care, which may involve:
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Intravenous fluids and electrolytes to restore hydration and blood pressure
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Blood transfusion to replace lost blood and platelets
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Oxygen therapy to support breathing
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Antibiotics to treat any secondary bacterial infections
Prevention of Dengue Fever
The best way to prevent dengue fever is to avoid mosquito bites, especially in areas where the disease is endemic or epidemic. Some of the preventive measures include:
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Wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks to cover the skin
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Applying insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on the exposed skin
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Using mosquito nets, screens, or coils to keep mosquitoes away from the sleeping area
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Eliminating or reducing mosquito breeding sites, such as stagnant water, containers, tires, or trash
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Reporting any suspected cases of dengue fever to the local health authorities
Vaccines for dengue fever are also available in some countries. Vaccines are recommended for people aged 9 to 45 who have been infected with the dengue virus in the past. The vaccine is administered in three doses, with a six-month interval between each dose. The vaccine reduces the risk of severe dengue by about 80%, but it is not effective against all strains of the disease. People who have never had dengue fever should not get the vaccine, as it may increase their risk of severe dengue disease.
Conclusion
Viruses transmitted by mosquitoes cause dengue fever, a serious and potentially fatal disease. In addition to fever, headache, rash, pain, bleeding, and shock, dengue fever can be diagnosed by a blood test and treated by supportive care. In order to prevent dengue fever from developing, avoid mosquito bites and get vaccinated if you are eligible. More research, surveillance, and control efforts are needed to combat dengue fever, which is a global health problem.
