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WELLNESS / Dengue Fever: Symptoms, Causes & Prevention

Dengue Fever: Symptoms, Causes & Prevention

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that has become one of the most common tropical diseases worldwide. With millions of cases reported annually, it is a significant public health concern in many countries, especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Dengue is transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes—species that are also responsible for spreading chikungunya and Zika virus.

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which has four distinct strains (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4). Once infected, a person gains lifelong immunity to that particular strain but may still get infected by the other strains, sometimes leading to more severe complications.

Causes and Transmission

Dengue spreads through the bite of infected female Aedes mosquitoes.
These mosquitoes usually bite during early morning and late afternoon.
They breed in stagnant water, such as open containers, buckets, old tires, and flower pots.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

Symptoms usually appear 4–10 days after infection and can range from mild to severe.

1. Common Symptoms:

High fever (up to 104°F / 40°C)
Severe headache
Pain behind the eyes
Muscle and joint pain (often called “breakbone fever”)
Nausea and vomiting
Skin rash

2. Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever):

If untreated, dengue can progress into a severe form leading to:

Severe abdominal pain
Persistent vomiting
Bleeding gums or nosebleeds
Blood in stool or urine
Difficulty breathing
Organ failure (in rare cases)

Severe dengue is a medical emergency and requires immediate hospitalization.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose dengue through:

Blood tests (to detect the virus or antibodies)
Monitoring of platelet count and white blood cell count
Clinical examination of symptoms

Treatment for Dengue Fever

There is no specific antiviral medicine for dengue. Treatment mainly focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications:

Adequate rest
Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
Use of paracetamol for fever and pain (avoid aspirin and ibuprofen as they can increase bleeding risk)
Hospitalization in severe cases for fluid replacement and monitoring

Prevention and Control

Since there is no specific cure, prevention is the best protection:
Eliminate stagnant water around homes to prevent mosquito breeding.
Use mosquito nets, repellents, and protective clothing.
Keep doors and windows closed or install screens.
Community-wide mosquito control programs.
Vaccination

Conclusion

Dengue fever is a preventable but potentially life-threatening disease. Early detection, proper medical care, and mosquito control are essential in reducing its impact. By staying informed and adopting preventive measures, communities can protect themselves and help curb the spread of this disease.