Understanding Dengue: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide every year. While it can range from mild to severe, dengue can become life-threatening if not recognized and treated promptly. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about dengue, including its symptoms, how it spreads, and the best ways to prevent and manage the infection.

What is Dengue?

Dengue is caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti. The virus has four strains, meaning a person can get infected up to four times in their lifetime.

Dengue fever is common in tropical and subtropical regions, especially during rainy seasons when mosquitoes breed.

Symptoms of Dengue

Dengue symptoms usually appear 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on the person’s immune response and whether they have been infected with the virus before.

Common symptoms include:

• High fever (104°F or 40°C): The hallmark of dengue is a sudden, high fever.
• Severe headache: Pain is often concentrated behind the eyes.
• Joint and muscle pain: Often referred to as "breakbone fever" due to the intense aches.
• Fatigue: Severe tiredness and exhaustion, even after the fever subsides.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash: This can appear 2-5 days after the fever starts.
• Mild bleeding: Such as nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or easy bruising.

Severe Dengue: Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS)

In some cases, dengue can develop into a severe form called Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS). These are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Signs of severe dengue include:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Bleeding from the nose or gums
• Blood in urine, stools, or vomit
• Rapid breathing
• Fatigue or restlessness

How is Dengue Spread?

Dengue is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. The mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person already infected with the dengue virus. They can then transmit the virus to others. Unlike some other mosquito-borne diseases, dengue cannot be spread directly from person to person.

Prevention of Dengue

Preventing mosquito bites is the most effective way to avoid dengue. Some preventive measures include:

1. Use Mosquito Repellents: Apply insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin, especially during the early morning and late afternoon when mosquitoes are most active.
2. Wear Protective Clothing: Cover exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, pants, and closed shoes, particularly in areas where dengue is prevalent.
3. Use Mosquito Nets and Screens: Sleeping under a mosquito net and ensuring your home has mosquito screens can prevent bites while indoors.
4. Remove Standing Water: Aedes mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Regularly empty and clean containers like flower pots, buckets, and tires that collect rainwater.
5. Fogging and Spraying: In areas where dengue is common, local authorities may carry out fogging and insecticide spraying to reduce the mosquito population.

Treatment for Dengue

There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. The management of dengue focuses on alleviating symptoms and ensuring proper hydration. If you suspect you have dengue, it’s important to:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, especially if you have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Rest: Adequate rest is crucial to help your body recover.
• Pain Relievers: You can take paracetamol (acetaminophen) to reduce fever and relieve pain. Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you suspect dengue or experience any of the severe symptoms mentioned earlier, seek immediate medical attention. Early detection and proper medical care can significantly lower the risk of complications from severe dengue.

Conclusion

Dengue is a serious illness that requires awareness and proactive prevention, especially in areas where the disease is common. While there is no specific cure, early detection, and proper management of symptoms can help ensure a full recovery. Taking preventive measures, such as avoiding mosquito bites and eliminating breeding sites, is key to protecting yourself and your family from dengue.

At Ruby Diagnostic, we offer comprehensive blood tests to detect dengue fever early, ensuring you get the care and treatment you need. Book an appointment today if you suspect dengue or need more information on how to stay protected.