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

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

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

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

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
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