Dengue Fever: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

The monsoon brings much-needed relief from the summer heat, but it also increases the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. One such illness is dengue fever - a serious health concern that can progress quickly and lead to severe, life-threatening complications. This makes it important to know the signs and symptoms of dengue to help ensure timely medical attention. Read on to learn all you need to know about dengue fever, including its symptoms, warning signs of severe dengue, treatment options, and ways to prevent the infection.

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus and mainly spread through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti. It can affect people of all ages and is more common in tropical and subtropical regions, where these mosquitoes thrive. The infection can cause symptoms ranging from a mild fever and body aches to severe illness requiring urgent medical care.

What Causes Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes become infected after biting a person who has the dengue virus and can then transmit the virus to another person through subsequent bites.

Dengue is not spread directly from person to person through casual contact. Mosquito breeding can increase where stagnant water is present, as Aedes mosquitoes can lay their eggs in small amounts of collected water.

What are the Symptoms of Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever can cause a range of symptoms, and their intensity may vary from person to person. Common symptoms of dengue fever include:

• High Fever: Dengue often begins with a sudden high fever, which may reach around 40°C (104°F). The fever can last for several days and may be accompanied by other symptoms.

• Severe Headache: A strong headache is common during dengue infection. Some people may also experience pain or discomfort behind the eyes, which can become more noticeable when moving the eyes.

• Muscle, Joint, and Bone Pain: Dengue can cause significant pain in the muscles and joints. This widespread body pain is one reason dengue is sometimes referred to as “breakbone fever.”

• Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea is common and may occur with or without vomiting. Persistent vomiting, particularly as the illness progresses, can be a warning sign that requires medical attention.

• Skin Rash: A reddish skin rash may appear during the course of the illness, often after the fever begins to improve. The appearance and extent of the rash can vary.

• Fatigue and Weakness: Feeling extremely tired or weak is common during dengue and can sometimes continue even after the fever has subsided.

• Mild Bleeding: Some people may develop mild bleeding, such as bleeding from the nose or gums, easy bruising, or small spots of bleeding under the skin.

• Abdominal Pain: Abdominal discomfort or pain can occur, particularly as the illness progresses. Severe or persistent abdominal pain should not be ignored, as it can be a warning sign of severe dengue.

What are the Warning Signs of Severe Dengue? 

Most people with dengue recover with proper care, but in some cases, the infection can become severe. Here is a list of warning signs 

• Severe Abdominal Pain: Persistent or intense pain or tenderness in the abdomen can be a warning sign of severe dengue.

• Repeated Vomiting: Frequent or persistent vomiting can lead to dehydration and may indicate that the illness is becoming more serious.

• Bleeding: Bleeding from the nose or gums, vomiting blood, blood in the stool, or unusually heavy menstrual bleeding should be taken seriously.

• Extreme Weakness or Restlessness: Unusual tiredness, weakness, restlessness, or irritability can occur as severe dengue develops.

• Difficulty Breathing: Breathing difficulties may occur when severe dengue causes fluid to build up in or around the lungs.

• Pale, Cold, or Clammy Skin: These can be signs of poor blood circulation and require immediate medical attention.

• Blood in Vomit or Stool: The presence of blood in vomit or stools can indicate internal bleeding and should be treated as an emergency.

If any of these warning signs appear, seek immediate medical attention rather than waiting for the symptoms to improve.

How is Dengue Diagnosed?

Dengue can sometimes look like other common viral infections, especially in the early stages, which is why it may not be immediately obvious without further evaluation. The diagnostic approach will include:

Medical Evaluation

A doctor will ask about the person's symptoms, when they started, and possible exposure to mosquitoes. A physical examination may also be done to look for signs such as fever, rash, abdominal pain, or bleeding.

Blood Tests

Blood tests can help confirm a dengue infection. Depending on the stage of the illness, a doctor may recommend tests that detect the dengue virus or its proteins or tests that detect antibodies produced by the body in response to the infection. A complete blood count (CBC) may also be done to check platelet and white blood cell levels and monitor how the illness is progressing.

How is Dengue Fever Treated?

Treatment of dengue fever mainly includes:

Fever-Reducing Medicines

Medicines may be used to help lower fever and relieve headaches and body aches. However, not all pain-relieving medicines are suitable during dengue, as some can increase the risk of bleeding. It is therefore important to take medicines only as recommended by a healthcare professional.

Oral Rehydration Solutions

Maintaining adequate fluid intake is an important part of dengue care. Oral rehydration solutions can help replace fluids and electrolytes lost through fever, sweating, vomiting, or reduced food and fluid intake. Water and other appropriate fluids may also be taken to help prevent dehydration.

Intravenous (IV) Fluids

If a person cannot drink enough fluids or develops significant dehydration, fluids may be given directly into a vein. IV fluids may also be used in hospital settings when dengue becomes severe, but they need to be carefully monitored because too much fluid can also cause complications.

Blood or Platelet Transfusions

Blood or platelet transfusions are not routinely needed for dengue. They may be considered in severe cases when there is significant bleeding or other specific medical indications. The decision is made by the treating medical team based on the person's condition and blood test results.

Hospitalisation for Severe Dengue

Severe dengue requires close medical monitoring and hospital care. Treatment may involve IV fluids, monitoring of blood pressure and blood counts, oxygen support when needed, and management of complications such as severe bleeding, shock, or organ problems.

How Can Dengue Fever be Prevented?

Preventing dengue mainly involves reducing exposure to infected mosquitoes and eliminating places where they can breed. Some simple steps that can help lower the risk of infection include:

• Remove Standing Water: Empty or cover containers that collect water, such as buckets, flowerpots, coolers, tires, and other items around the home.

• Use Mosquito Repellent: Apply a suitable mosquito repellent to exposed skin when spending time in areas where dengue is common.

• Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and other clothing that covers exposed skin.

• Use Screens and Mosquito Nets: Keep doors and windows screened where possible, and use mosquito nets when needed for additional protection.

• Keep Your Surroundings Clean: Regularly clean water containers, clear drains, and remove items that can collect rainwater.

• Protect People With Dengue: People infected with dengue should avoid mosquito bites during the illness to prevent mosquitoes from picking up the virus and spreading it to others.

• Take Protection During the Day: Aedes mosquitoes can bite during the daytime, so mosquito protection should be used throughout the day, not only at night.

Conclusion

Now that you know about dengue fever, it is important not to ignore symptoms that may suggest an infection. If you develop a sudden high fever, severe body aches, headache, rash, or other symptoms associated with dengue, consult an internal medicine specialist at Sterling Hospitals. They can assess your symptoms and, if dengue is suspected, recommend the necessary blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. Seeking medical care at the right time can help ensure that you receive appropriate treatment and reduce the risk of serious complications.