Dengue Fever – Its Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

Dr.Parinita Kaur, 3 mins read

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness that occurs worldwide in tropical and subtropical areas. Mild dengue fever is characterized by a high fever and flu-like symptoms. Dengue hemorrhagic fever, also called severe dengue fever, can cause severe bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and even death. Millions of people are infected with dengue each year. Dengue fever is most prevalent in Southeast Asia, the western Pacific islands, Latin America, and Africa.

Dengue Fever Symptoms:

Few people have no signs or symptoms of dengue fever.

When symptoms do appear, they can be confused with other illnesses, such as the flu, and usually appear four to ten days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Dengue fever causes a high grade as well as any of the following signs and symptoms:

• Headache
• Eye pain
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Rashes
• Joint pain, muscle pain, or bone pain

Most people recover in about a week. However, Life-threatening conditions such as severe dengue, dengue hemorrhagic fever, or dengue shock syndrome may develop if not treated timely.

In severe Dengue your blood vessels become damaged and leaky. In addition, the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood decreases. Shock, internal bleeding, organ failure, and even death can result from this.

Warning signs of severe dengue fever, a potentially fatal condition, can emerge quickly. These warning signs may include breathing problems, bleeding from gums or nose, severe stomach ache, persistent vomiting, fatigue, irritability, or restlessness

Dengue Fever Diagnosis:

Dengue fever can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as chikungunya, malaria, and typhoid fever. A blood test can assist doctors in diagnosing dengue infection. If you become sick after visiting a tropical location, notify your doctor. This will allow your doctor to determine if your symptoms are the result of a dengue infection.

Dengue Fever Treatment:

Dengue infection has no specific treatment. If you suspect you have dengue fever, take acetaminophen or paracetamol and avoid NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and aspirin, which may worsen bleeding.

 You should take enough rest, drink plenty of fluids while recovering from dengue fever, and consult your doctor immediately if your condition starts deteriorating.

Who is at the most risk for dengue fever?

People of all age groups can be infected with Dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).

What are the complications of Dengue Fever and can you survive dengue fever?

The majority of people recover in about a week but in severe dengue such as Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome, the condition worsens and can become life-threatening if not treated promptly. When your blood vessels become damaged and leaky, you get severe dengue. Severe dengue can cause severe bleeding, organ damage, and breathing problems.

Dengue Fever Prevention:          

The World Health Organization emphasizes that vaccination is ineffective in preventing dengue fever in regions where the disease is prevalent. The major techniques for reducing the spread of dengue fever are still mosquito bite prevention and mosquito population management. Following are some vital tips to prevent dengue fever:

1. Keep your surroundings clean: - Our negligence regarding the cleanliness of our surroundings is the major reason for the rising number of dengue cases. To prevent mosquito breeding, we must maintain cleanliness and hygiene in our homes, schools, colleges, parks, and other public places.
2. Do not let water stagnate anywhere: - Mosquitoes can breed in stagnant water in some places and this can also spread dengue. Regularly change the water stored in utensils that are not to be used for a long time. Change the water in the pots every week. Regularly check manholes, septic tanks, clogged drains, wells, etc.
3. Stay in a well-screened or air-conditioned room: - Check that the windows are properly closed and that there are no holes in the door screens. This would eliminate the possibility of mosquitoes entering the house. Mosquitoes that transmit vector-borne diseases are most active between dawn and dusk. During this time, keep all windows and shutters closed.
4. Use Mosquito Repellents: Mosquito repellents, particularly in tropical areas with dense populations and crowds, can help keep mosquitoes away. When travelling to tropical destinations, and even when you're at home, apply mosquito repellent cream to your skin. You can buy mosquito patches, mosquito bands, and mosquito wipes for children or infants from reputable skincare brands.
5. Wear Protective Clothing: Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks, and shoes when going into mosquito-infested areas.

6. Sleep under Mosquito nets: Sleeping under a mosquito net can provide you and your children with an additional layer of protection against mosquito bites

When you feel you have dengue fever symptoms, it is always advisable to consult your physician. The doctor will be able to tell you whether you have dengue fever or other symptoms.

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