What is Dengue?

Causes of Dengue

Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus, which is primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female mosquitoes. There are four distinct strains of dengue virus (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4). Other causes of dengue include:

• Stagnant water, which is a breeding ground for these mosquitoes.
• Climate conditions and environmental factor such as high temperatures and humidity
• Inadequate mosquito control measures or the absence of effective public health programs
• Lack of immunity, making them more susceptible to infection during outbreaks.

It’s important to note that dengue is not directly transmitted from person to person. The virus needs the mosquito vector to spread from one individual to another.

Key Facts About Dengue

Major Symptoms	Dengue fever Pain behind eyes Headache Nausea Vomiting Swollen glands Pain in joints and muscles Rashes on the skin Severe dengue Continuous vomiting Rapid breathing Restlessness Fatigue Bleeding gums Severe stomach pain
Necessary Health Tests	Complete blood count (CBC) Antigen test Antibodies test
Treatment	There is no specific treatment for dengue. You should see a doctor if you notice any symptoms.

Symptoms of Dengue

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Here are some of the common symptoms of dengue according to several medical authorities:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Pain in the joints
• Muscle pain
• Red spots or bumps on the body
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting

Dengue can progress to a more severe form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Severe forms of dengue may lead to symptoms such as:

• Abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Bleeding from the nose or gums
• Difficulty breathing
• Restlessness
• Significant decrease in blood pressure
• Very thirsty
• Feeling weak
• Pale and cold skin
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Lethargy

If you or anyone around you experiences these symptoms, immediate medical attention is required.

Diagnosis of Dengue

Dengue can be difficult to diagnose as the signs and symptoms of the disease can easily be confused with other mosquito-borne diseases and even typhoid fever. Apart from asking about your medical and travel history, your healthcare provider may draw a sample of blood from you and send it for analysis. A blood test allows a doctor to analyze and detect if you have moderate dengue or severe dengue. Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor recommends the treatment.

Treatment of Dengue

The focus of dengue treatment is relieving symptoms, managing complications and providing supportive care. There is no specific antiviral medication used to treat dengue, so the primary focus remains on general measures such as:

• Adequate rest
• Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
• Over-the-counter medicines for fever management
• Medication to provide relief from headaches, joint, and muscle pain

In severe cases, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), additional medical interventions may be necessary, including intravenous fluid replacement, blood transfusions, and intensive care monitoring. The patient may also need supportive care in the hospital, regular monitoring of vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, and platelet count, intravenous (IV) fluid and electrolyte replacement, or transfusion to replace blood loss.

Remember, there can be long-term side effects of dengue. So, it is advisable to seek medical attention if you suspect you have dengue or if you live in an area where dengue is prevalent.