Dengue Fever

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a contagious illness that attacks the immune system of the body. It is caused by the dengue virus which is transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.The dengue virus causes dengue fever; when a mosquito bites an infected person, it becomes a carrier that can easily pass on the virus to the next person it bites.

Symptoms usually develops within four to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. There is currently no dengue vaccine. There are different types of dengue viruses that cause the dengue infection. Dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome is a severe form of dengue fever that can be fatal in some cases.

You can lower your risk of dengue by avoiding mosquito bites and to take steps to reduce the mosquito population in your area.

What are the symptoms of Dengue Fever?

Most people with Dengue Fever will experience mild to no signs and symptoms of a dengue infection. When symptoms do appear, they may be mistaken for other illnesses such as the flu.

If symptoms do occur, it typically presents 4-10 days after being bitten and include:

• High fever (40°C)
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Muscle and joint pains
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swollen glands
• Easy bruising of the skin
• Skin rashes

Severe dengue symptoms typically come after the fever has gone away and includes:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Bleeding from the gums and nose
• Fatigue
• Restlessness
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Pale or cold skin
• Feeling weak

Someone who has been infected with Dengue Fever for the second time are at a greater risk of developing severe symptoms.

What causes Dengue Fever?

Denger fever is usually caused by one of four dengue viruses. The virus can enter your bloodstream and make copies of itself when a mosquito infected with the dengue virus bites you. This virus destroys parts of your blood that form clots and gives structure to your blood vessels. This may cause your blood to leak out of your vessels and cause internal bleeding. 

When should you see a doctor?

Severe Dengue Fever is a life-threatening medical emergency and you should seek medical attention immediately if you develop a high fever or any of the above mentioned symptoms after visiting an area in which Dengue Fever is known to occur.

How do you reduce your risk of Dengue Fever?

The best way to reduce your risk of dengue fever is to prevent the growth of mosquitoes in your area and protect yourself from mosquito bites. These steps include:

• Use mosquito repellents to help keep Aedes mosquitoes away.
• Cover exposed skin when going outdoors, especially where mosquitoes are more likely to be around.
• Remove standing water (buckets or barrels, bird baths, old tires) and fill low spots where water can pool.
• Use mosquito netting at night in areas where dengue is common.
• When traveling, be sure to check if there are any outbreaks of illness in your destination before leaving

How is Dengue Fever diagnosed?

Blood Test
A complete blood count blood test will be done to check for white blood cell increase and platelet reduction due to the virus.