17753 Dengue Fever

Overview

Dengue fever is a viral infection spread by mosquito bites. It causes high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, and a rash. Most people get better in a couple of weeks, but in some cases it can become severe and need hospital care.

Dengue is common in many tropical and subtropical parts of the world, including Southeast Asia, South Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa and Oceania.

Anyone who lives in or travels to an area where dengue is present can get it. You have a higher risk if you have had dengue before, as a second infection can be more severe.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• High fever, often up to 104°F (40°C)
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Muscle, bone, or joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swollen glands
• Skin rash, which may appear a few days after the fever starts

Symptoms in children

• Mild symptoms that can be mistaken for a cold or flu
• High fever with irritability or sluggishness
• Complaints of stomach pain or vomiting

Symptoms in older adults

• More likely to experience severe fatigue and weakness
• May become confused or less alert
• Higher risk of dehydration and complications

Causes

Main causes

• Dengue virus – a virus passed to people through the bites of infected female Aedes mosquitoes (especially Aedes aegypti).
• The mosquito picks up the virus when it bites someone already infected, then spreads it to other people.

Risk factors

• Living in or traveling to tropical or subtropical areas where dengue is common
• Being in areas with stagnant water or poor mosquito control
• Having had dengue before – a second infection carries a higher risk of severe disease
• Outdoor activities or living in housing without air conditioning or window screens

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Any warning sign such as severe belly pain, vomiting that won't stop, bleeding, or feeling unusually tired or restless
• Fever that goes away but then returns with skin rash, bruising, or weakness – this can be a sign of severe dengue
• Symptoms that get worse after improvement

Book a routine appointment if:

• Fever lasting more than a day with headache, eye pain, muscle aches, or rash – especially after travel to a dengue area
• Not sure if you need a test – talk to your doctor

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose dengue by asking about your symptoms, travel history, and doing a physical exam. A blood test can confirm the infection.

Tests that may be done

• Blood test to look for the dengue virus or antibodies your body has made against it.
• Complete blood count to check your platelet level and hydration status.

What to expect at your appointment

If dengue is suspected, your doctor may ask you to rest and drink fluids. A blood test result may take a few days. In mild cases, you may not need any special monitoring. If warning signs appear, your doctor may recommend a blood test and hospital follow-up.

Treatment

There is no specific medicine to cure dengue. Treatment is supportive – meaning it aims to relieve symptoms and prevent dehydration while your immune system fights the virus. Most people recover at home, but some need hospital care for fluids and monitoring.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of fluids such as water, coconut water, clear soup, or oral rehydration solution to stay hydrated.
• Get plenty of bed rest.
• Use a cool compress or a fan to reduce fever.
• Avoid medicines that can increase bleeding risk – check with your doctor or pharmacist which ones are safe.
• Watch for warning signs and seek help if you notice any.

Medical treatments

For severe dengue, hospital care may include intravenous (IV) fluids to keep you hydrated, regular blood tests, and close monitoring. To lower a fever, your doctor may advise on the safest fever-reducing painkiller to take. Avoid taking NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or aspirin) because they can increase the risk of bleeding.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not part of the treatment for dengue.

Living with this condition

Dengue usually runs its course in about a week or two. You may feel tired for several weeks after the fever ends. Use plenty of fluids, rest, and follow your doctor's advice. Keep an eye out for warning signs, as the most dangerous phase can begin when the fever starts to drop.

Lifestyle tips

• Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants to avoid further mosquito bites, as you could pass the virus to other mosquitoes.
• Stay in a place with air conditioning or screened windows when possible.
• Take fever-reducing medicine only as advised by your doctor. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen-like medicines.
• Drink extra fluids until you are urinating a normal amount and your urine is light yellow.

Diet and exercise

Eat light, easily digestible foods if your appetite is low. You do not need a special diet. Rest until you feel strong again – gradually return to normal activity as your energy improves.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with a viral illness can be stressful, especially if you have a high fever or worry about complications. It is normal to feel anxious or low while recovering. If you feel overwhelmed, speak to your doctor or a trusted person.

Prevention

Dengue can be prevented, mainly by avoiding mosquito bites. This is especially important if you live in or travel to regions where dengue is common.

Vaccines

There are dengue vaccines in some countries, but they are not suitable for everyone. Talk to your doctor or travel health clinic about whether dengue vaccination is recommended for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for people with no symptoms. Prevention is the main strategy.

Complications

If left untreated

• Severe dengue (also called dengue hemorrhagic fever) can cause bleeding, blood vessel damage, and a drop in blood pressure.
• Dengue shock syndrome – a dangerous condition where blood pressure drops to a critical level, which can lead to organ failure.
• Without prompt hospital care, severe dengue can be fatal.

Long-term outlook

With early medical care and close monitoring, the outlook for dengue is very good. More than 95% of people recover fully. Even in severe cases, hospital treatment is successful for the vast majority. Full recovery can take a few weeks, but most people return to their normal health without long-term effects.

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