What is Dengue?
Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The dengue virus has four serotypes (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4), meaning a person can be infected up to four times, once with each serotype.
Characteristics of Dengue Fever:
1. High Fever: Sudden onset of high fever, often reaching up to 104°F (40°C).
2. Severe Headache: Pain behind the eyes.
3. Severe Joint and Muscle Pain: Sometimes referred to as “breakbone fever” due to the severity of the pain.
4. Fatigue: Extreme tiredness.
5. Nausea and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal symptoms.
6. Skin Rash: Appears 2-5 days after the onset of fever.
7. Mild Bleeding: Such as nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or easy bruising.
Early Symptoms of Dengue:
Early symptoms can be non-specific and flu-like, including:
• Sudden high fever
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Joint and muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Mild bleeding (e.g., nose or gum bleed, easy bruising)
• Skin rash appearing a few days after fever onset
How to Manage Dengue Fever:
1. Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
2. Rest: Adequate rest is essential for recovery.
3. Pain Relievers: Use acetaminophen (paracetamol) to reduce pain and fever. Avoid aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
4. Monitoring: Regular monitoring of symptoms and blood counts. Look out for warning signs of severe dengue.
5. Medical Care: Seek immediate medical attention if severe symptoms develop, such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums, fatigue, restlessness, and blood in vomit.
Note: Severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome) is a medical emergency and requires hospitalization.
Blood Tests for Dengue:
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC): To monitor platelet count and hematocrit levels.
2. Dengue NS1 Antigen Test: Detects the presence of the dengue virus NS1 antigen.
3. Dengue IgM/IgG Antibody Test: Identifies antibodies produced in response to dengue infection.
4. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test: Detects viral RNA in the blood, providing early diagnosis.
Latest References:
• World Health Organization (WHO): Dengue and severe dengue
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Dengue
• Mayo Clinic: Dengue fever
• MedlinePlus: Dengue Fever
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