What Is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is a viral infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes. It is common in tropical and subtropical regions and is especially prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and inadequate access to clean water.
What Causes Dengue Fever?
When a mosquito bites an infected person, it can become infected with the dengue virus. The virus then multiplies inside the mosquito, and the mosquito can transmit the virus to other people when it bites them. The virus cannot be transmitted from person to person.
It's important to avoid mosquito bites to prevent dengue fever. This can include using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying in air-conditioned or well-screened areas. It's also important to eliminate sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Dengue Fever?
The symptoms of dengue fever can vary, but common signs and symptoms can include:
- Fever: A high fever is the most common symptom of dengue fever. The fever can last for several days and can reach as high as 104-105 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Headache: A severe headache is another common symptom of dengue fever. The headache can be located behind the eyes and can be accompanied by pain in the temples.
- Muscle and joint pain: Muscle and joint pain is also a common symptom of dengue fever. The pain can be severe and can affect the muscles and joints throughout the body.
- Rash: A rash is another common symptom of dengue fever. The rash can be red or pink in color and can appear on the face, chest, arms, and legs.
- Nausea and vomiting: Some people with dengue fever may experience nausea and vomiting.
- Loss of appetite: Many people with dengue fever have a loss of appetite and may not feel like eating.
- Fatigue: Fatigue is a common symptom of dengue fever, and many people with the infection feel very tired and weak.
In severe cases, dengue fever can lead to dengue shock syndrome, which is a life-threatening condition. Symptoms of dengue shock syndrome can include severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, and a drop in blood pressure. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention immediately.
How Long Does Dengue Fever Last?
The symptoms of dengue fever typically last for about a week. However, some people may experience symptoms for a longer or shorter period of time.
The fever is usually the first symptom to appear and can last for several days. The other symptoms, such as headache, muscle and joint pain, and rash, typically develop a few days after the fever starts. The symptoms may peak after 3-5 days and then gradually improve over the next week or so.
In severe cases, dengue fever can lead to dengue shock syndrome, which is a life-threatening condition. If you experience any severe symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or a drop in blood pressure, it's important to seek medical attention immediately.
How Is Dengue Fever Diagnosed?
Dengue fever is usually diagnosed based on the symptoms and a person's medical history and travel history. A doctor will ask about the symptoms when they started, and if the person has recently traveled to an area where dengue fever is common.
In some cases, a doctor may also order blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests can detect the presence of the dengue virus or antibodies to the virus in the blood. These tests can be helpful, especially in cases where the symptoms are not typical or if the person has other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
How Is Dengue Fever Treated?
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever, and it is often managed with supportive care. This can include drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, taking pain medication to relieve symptoms, and getting plenty of rest.
It's important to avoid taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief, as these can increase the risk of bleeding. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually recommended for pain relief.
Can Dengue Fever Be Prevented?
There is no vaccine for dengue fever, but the infection can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites. Mosquitoes that transmit dengue fever are most active during the daytime, so it's important to take precautions to avoid bites during this time.
To prevent dengue fever, you can:
- Use insect repellent: Use an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin and clothing.
- Wear long sleeves and pants: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to reduce the amount of skin exposed to mosquitoes.
- Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened areas: Mosquitoes are less likely to be present in air-conditioned or well-screened areas.
- Eliminate sources of standing water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so it's important to eliminate sources of standing water, such as containers, tires, and other objects that can collect water.
By taking these precautions, you can reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and prevent dengue fever.