Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It can range from mild illness to severe disease, leading to serious health complications if not properly managed. Understanding the symptoms and knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial in controlling dengue fever effectively.

How many days does dengue fever last?

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti. There are four distinct serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4), and infection with one serotype provides lifelong immunity to that particular serotype but not to the others.

How do dengue symptoms start?

The symptoms of dengue fever usually appear 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can vary from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

  1. High Fever:

    • Sudden onset of high fever, often reaching 104°F (40°C).

  2. Severe Headache:

    • Intense pain, typically centred behind the eyes.

  3. Pain Behind the Eyes:

    • A common symptom that can be quite distressing.

  4. Severe Muscle and Joint Pain:

    • Often referred to as "breakbone fever" due to the severity of the pain.

  5. Nausea and Vomiting:

    • Gastrointestinal symptoms that can lead to dehydration.

  6. Skin Rash:

    • A rash may appear a few days after the fever starts, often spreading from the torso to the limbs and face.

  7. Fatigue and Weakness:

    • General malaise and prolonged fatigue can persist even after the acute phase of the illness.

  8. Mild Bleeding:

    • Symptoms such as nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or easy bruising may occur.

What is the difference between dengue shock syndrome and dengue hemorrhagic fever?

In some cases, dengue fever can progress to severe dengue, which can be life-threatening. Severe dengue includes Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS). Symptoms of severe dengue include:

  1. Severe Abdominal Pain:

    • Intense and persistent pain in the abdomen.

  2. Persistent Vomiting:

    • Inability to keep fluids down, leading to dehydration.

  3. Rapid Breathing:

    • Increased respiratory rate, indicating potential fluid accumulation in the lungs.

  4. Bleeding Gums and Nose:

    • Increased bleeding tendencies can be a sign of severe disease.

  5. Blood in Urine, Stools, or Vomit:

    • Visible bleeding in bodily fluids.

  6. Fatigue and Restlessness:

    • Severe lethargy or agitation, indicating potential shock.

  7. Signs of Shock:

    • Cold, clammy skin, rapid but weak pulse, and low blood pressure, which require immediate medical attention.

When to see a doctor

Timely medical intervention can significantly reduce the risk of severe complications and improve outcomes. It is essential to seek medical advice if you experience any of the following:

  1. High Fever and Severe Pain:

    • Persistent high fever and intense pain should prompt immediate medical consultation.

  2. Signs of Bleeding:

    • Any unusual bleeding or easy bruising requires prompt evaluation.

  3. Severe Abdominal Pain:

    • Intense and persistent abdominal pain can indicate severe dengue.

  4. Persistent Vomiting:

    • The inability to keep fluids down increases the risk of dehydration and complications.

  5. Signs of Shock:

    • Cold, clammy skin, rapid pulse, or low blood pressure necessitate emergency medical care.

  6. Difficulty Breathing:

    • Rapid or laboured breathing requires immediate medical attention.

What is the diagnostic test for dengue fever?

Accurate diagnosis of dengue fever involves clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. Diagnostic methods include:

  1. Clinical Assessment:

    • A healthcare provider evaluates symptoms and recent travel history to endemic areas.

  2. Blood Tests:

    • Complete Blood Count (CBC): Monitors platelet count and hematocrit levels.

    • Dengue NS1 Antigen Test: Detects the presence of the dengue virus in the early stages of infection.

    • Dengue IgM and IgG Antibodies Test: This test identifies the immune response to the dengue virus, indicating recent or past infection.

Treatment of Dengue Fever

There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever. Management focuses on supportive care to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Key aspects of treatment include:

  1. Hydration:

    • Maintaining adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration is crucial. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are recommended.

  2. Fever and Pain Management:

    • Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is the preferred medication for reducing fever and relieving pain. Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.

  3. Rest:

    • Adequate rest is essential to help the body recover from the infection.

  4. Monitoring:

    • Regular monitoring of vital signs and laboratory parameters, such as platelet count and hematocrit levels, is important to detect any signs of severe dengue or complications early.

What is the best treatment for dengue fever?

Preventing dengue fever primarily involves reducing mosquito exposure and controlling mosquito populations. Effective measures include regularly emptying and cleaning containers that collect water to prevent mosquito breeding and using insecticides to kill adult mosquitoes and larvae. 

Personal protection measures involve wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to minimise skin exposure, applying insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, and using mosquito nets, especially in areas with high mosquito activity. Additionally, community involvement is crucial, along with efforts to engage in mosquito control programs and raise awareness about dengue prevention.