Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. Symptoms typically begin three to fourteen days after infection. This may include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash. Recovery generally takes two to seven days. In a small proportion of cases, the disease develops into severe dengue, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever, resulting in bleeding, blood plasma leakage, and low platelet count.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Dengue fever is caused by any one of four types of dengue viruses spread by mosquitoes that thrive in and near human lodgings. When a mosquito bites a person infected with a dengue virus, the virus enters the mosquito. When the infected mosquito then bites another person, the virus enters that person's bloodstream.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

After being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus, the incubation period ranges from three to 14 days before the symptoms appear. Dengue fever causes a high fever — 104 F degrees — and at least two of the following symptoms:

Headache
Muscle, bone and joint pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Pain behind the eyes
Swollen glands
Rash

Treatment[edit | edit source]

No specific treatment for dengue fever exists. Your doctor may recommend that you drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration from vomiting and a high fever. While recovering from dengue fever, watch for signs and symptoms of dehydration. Call your doctor right away if you develop any of the following:

Decreased urination
Few or no tears
Dry mouth or lips
Lethargy or confusion
Cold or clammy extremities

Prevention[edit | edit source]

The best way to prevent the disease is to prevent bites by infected mosquitoes, particularly if you are living in or traveling to a tropical area. This involves protecting yourself and making efforts to keep the mosquito population down.

Dengue Fever Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.