Dengue Fever - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by any of the four related dengue viruses (DENV-1 to DENV-4). It is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, especially Aedes aegypti, which typically bites during daytime hours.

Nicknamed "breakbone fever", dengue can cause intense joint and muscle pain, along with high fever, headache, and skin rashes.

The disease is endemic in more than 100 countries and has seen a rise in both frequency and severity in recent years due to climate change, urbanization, and poor mosquito control efforts.

Whether you're in India, Southeast Asia, Latin America, or Africa, awareness and early action remain key to preventing serious complications.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

Symptoms typically appear 4–7 days after a mosquito bite. They may range from mild to severe and vary by age group.

Common Symptoms of Classic Dengue Fever:

• High fever (up to 105°F or 40.5°C)
• Severe joint and muscle pain
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Red skin rash, starting on the chest/back and spreading to the limbs and face
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue or weakness

Some people may have mild symptoms or none at all — especially during the first infection. It’s still important to monitor for signs and consult a doctor if you’re at risk.

Symptoms in Children

Young children with dengue often experience:

• Fever with a mild rash
• Few or no other noticeable symptoms

Because these symptoms can resemble the flu or other viral infections, always consult a doctor, especially if you’ve recently traveled to or live in an area affected by dengue.

When Dengue Becomes Severe: Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

In some cases, dengue can turn into a more dangerous form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). This can happen after a second or repeated infection.

Symptoms of DHF include:

• All classic dengue symptoms, plus:
• Bleeding from the nose or gums
• Blood spots under the skin
• Bruising easily
• Abdominal pain
• Low blood pressure or shock

This form can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Seek immediate medical care if any warning signs of DHF appear.

What Causes Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is caused by a virus that spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, especially one called Aedes aegypti. There are four types of dengue viruses (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4). If you’ve been infected with one type, you can still get dengue again from the other types.

How Does Dengue Spread?

Dengue doesn’t spread directly from one person to another — it’s not contagious.

Here’s how it spreads:

• A mosquito bites a person who already has dengue.
• The virus enters the mosquito.
• Then, the mosquito bites someone else and passes the virus to them.

These mosquitoes usually bite during the daytime, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. They often breed in clean, still water found in things like buckets, flowerpots, or open water tanks near homes.

To protect yourself, it’s important to avoid mosquito bites and stop them from breeding around you.

Diagnosis of Dengue Fever

Diagnosing dengue usually involves a combination of symptoms assessment, travel history, and laboratory tests. If you have symptoms of dengue and have recently been in an area where dengue is common, your doctor may recommend tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Common diagnostic tests include:

• NS1 Antigen Test: Detects the dengue virus in the early stages (first 1–5 days of illness).
• IgM and IgG Antibody Tests: Identify immune response to the virus; useful in later stages.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): To monitor platelet count and white blood cell levels. Low platelets may indicate a more severe form of dengue.
• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Confirms the presence of dengue virus and its type.

Doctors may repeat blood tests to monitor how the disease is progressing, especially in more severe cases.

Treatment of Dengue Fever

There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever. Most people recover with rest, hydration, and symptom relief. However, medical supervision is important, especially in moderate or severe cases.

Treatment usually includes:

• Rest: Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the virus.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids like water, coconut water, and oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration.
• Fever and Pain Relief: Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is safe for reducing fever and relieving pain. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.

In severe cases, hospitalization may be required to manage complications like bleeding, very low platelet count, or dehydration. Intravenous (IV) fluids and close monitoring are often necessary in such cases.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you or someone around you has recently been in a dengue-affected area and develops symptoms like high fever, severe body pain, rash, or vomiting, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Dengue can sometimes be mistaken for other viral illnesses, so getting tested early can help prevent serious complications.

Seek immediate medical help if you notice:

• Persistent high fever
• Severe abdominal pain
• Bleeding from the nose, gums, or under the skin
• Frequent vomiting or vomiting with blood
• Sudden fatigue or restlessness
• Difficulty breathing or signs of shock (cold hands/feet, rapid pulse, low blood pressure)

Early diagnosis and proper medical care can make a significant difference, especially in preventing the disease from progressing to its more severe form, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF).
 

How to Prevent Dengue Fever

There is currently no widely available vaccine for dengue fever in India, so the most effective way to stay protected is to avoid mosquito bites. Aedes mosquitoes, which spread the dengue virus, are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours.

Preventive Measures:

• Use mosquito repellents with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Wear long-sleeved, loose, and light-colored clothing
• Keep windows and doors closed or screened to block mosquitoes
• Avoid standing water in and around your home (flower pots, buckets, discarded containers)
• Change water in containers like vases and coolers regularly
• Use mosquito nets, especially for infants and the elderly

Conclusion

Dengue fever is a serious viral infection that can be life-threatening if not managed properly. With the rise of cases in various regions, including areas like Hyderabad, it's crucial to be vigilant about preventing mosquito bites, especially during peak hours. Recognizing the symptoms early, such as high fever, joint pain, and a rash, is key to getting timely medical attention. In severe cases, dengue can progress to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical care.

While there is no specific cure for dengue, prevention is entirely in your hands. Simple measures like using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds around your home can go a long way in reducing the risk. Stay informed, stay protected, and consult a healthcare provider if you suspect you have dengue fever.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is dengue fever and how is it transmitted?
Dengue fever is a viral infection spread by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It is transmitted when an infected mosquito bites a person, and the virus is passed on.

2. What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
Common symptoms include a high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, pain behind the eyes, skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, symptoms can be mild or unnoticeable.

3. How can I prevent dengue fever?
The best way to prevent dengue is to avoid mosquito bites. Use insect repellents, wear long-sleeved clothes, and keep your home mosquito-free by eliminating standing water. Also, ensure your windows and doors are screened.

4. Can dengue fever be treated?
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever, but supportive care like hydration and pain management can help alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

5. What is Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF)?
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever is a more severe form of dengue that involves bleeding, low blood pressure, and organ damage. It is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

6. Can dengue fever be fatal?
While most people recover from dengue fever with proper care, it can be fatal in severe cases, especially if it progresses to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome.

7. How long does it take to recover from dengue fever?
The recovery time varies, but most people start feeling better within 1-2 weeks of developing symptoms. However, fatigue may persist for longer.