Dengue Fever

Gambaran umum

Dengue fever is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. It causes a high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle aches, and sometimes a rash. Most people recover in a week or two, but it can be serious for some.

Yes, dengue is common in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including parts of Southeast Asia, the Pacific islands, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

Anyone can get dengue, but it is more common in children, teenagers, and young adults living in affected areas. People with a weakened immune system or those who have had dengue before are at higher risk for severe illness.

Gejala

Gejala umum

• High fever (up to 104°F or 40°C)
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Joint and muscle pain (often called 'breakbone fever')
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash (appears 2 to 5 days after fever starts)
• Swollen glands (lymph nodes)

Gejala pada anak-anak

• In children, the illness may be mild with just a fever and rash.
• They may have little or no joint pain, but can still develop severe dengue.
• Watch for signs like easy bruising, bleeding from the nose or gums, and restlessness.

Gejala pada lansia

• Older adults are more likely to develop severe dengue.
• They may experience dehydration and weakness more quickly.
• They should be monitored closely for warning signs like abdominal pain, vomiting, and bleeding.

Penyebab

Penyebab utama

• Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito (mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus).
• The virus enters the bloodstream and multiplies, causing the symptoms of dengue.

Faktor risiko

• Living in or traveling to areas where dengue is common (tropical and subtropical climates)
• Previous infection with one type of dengue virus (increases risk of severe illness if infected again with a different type)
• Weakened immune system due to other medical conditions or medications
• Being in areas with standing water where mosquitoes breed (e.g., containers, flower pots, tires)

Kapan harus ke dokter

Segera temui dokter jika:

• If you or your child has any of the emergency warning signs listed above (severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, rapid breathing, confusion).
• If you have recently traveled to a dengue-affected area and develop a high fever with severe headache and body aches.

Buat janji temu rutin jika:

• If you have a fever that lasts more than a few days and you are not feeling better.
• If you have joint pain, headache, or rash that concerns you.
• If you are unsure whether your symptoms could be dengue.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose dengue based on your symptoms, travel history, and a blood test. They will ask about where you have been and when your fever started.

Tes yang mungkin dilakukan

• Blood test to detect the dengue virus (PCR test) – this is most accurate in the first week of illness.
• NS1 antigen test – looks for a protein made by the virus.
• Antibody tests (IgM and IgG) – check if your body has made immune proteins against the virus, which show up after a few days.

Apa yang diharapkan saat janji temu

The doctor will take a small blood sample from your arm. Results may take a few hours to a few days. You may be asked to come back for follow-up tests to monitor your blood cell counts, as dengue can cause low platelets and other changes.

Perawatan

There is no specific medicine or antiviral drug for dengue. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the body while it fights the infection. Most people recover at home with rest and fluids.

Perawatan mandiri di rumah

• Get plenty of rest to help your body recover.
• Drink lots of fluids (water, oral rehydration solutions, soups) – this is very important to prevent dehydration.
• Use a fever reducer that your doctor recommends (avoid medicines that can increase bleeding, such as aspirin or ibuprofen).
• Take a cool cloth or sponge bath to lower fever (do not use ice water).
• Monitor for warning signs of severe dengue, especially in children and older adults.

Perawatan medis

If dengue becomes severe, hospital care is needed. Treatment may include intravenous (IV) fluids to maintain hydration, monitoring of blood pressure and oxygen levels, and blood transfusions if there is significant bleeding. Pain relief and fever management are provided using medicines that are safe for dengue.

Hidup dengan kondisi ini

During recovery, you may feel very tired and weak. It is important to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Most people feel better within a week, but fatigue can last longer. Avoid activities that could cause injury or bleeding.

Tips gaya hidup

• Stay in a mosquito-free environment or use mosquito nets to prevent spreading the virus to others.
• Apply insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants if you go outside.
• Avoid sharing towels or personal items if you have a rash or bleeding.

Diet dan olahraga

Eat light, easy-to-digest foods like porridge, rice, bananas, and broth. Avoid spicy or oily foods. Gentle movement like walking is fine once you feel up to it, but do not push yourself. Return to normal exercise gradually after full recovery.

Kesehatan mental dan kesejahteraan emosional

Dealing with a high fever and body pain can be stressful and frightening, especially if you are worried about severe disease. It is normal to feel anxious or down. Talk to family or friends about how you are feeling. If anxiety becomes overwhelming, speak with your doctor or a mental health professional.

Pencegahan

Yes, the best way to prevent dengue is to avoid mosquito bites. Use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and stay in places with screens or air conditioning. Eliminate standing water around your home where mosquitoes breed.

Vaksin

There is a vaccine for dengue (Dengvaxia) that is approved for use in some countries. However, it is only recommended for people who have had a prior dengue infection, as it can increase the risk of severe disease in those who have never had dengue. Talk to a healthcare provider to see if the vaccine is appropriate for you.

Program skrining

There is no routine screening test for dengue in people without symptoms. In some travel clinics, a blood test might be offered if you have been in an outbreak area, but this is not standard.

Komplikasi

Jika tidak diobati

• Severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever) – the blood vessels become leaky, causing bleeding and shock.
• Dengue shock syndrome – a dangerous drop in blood pressure that can lead to organ failure and death.
• Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) – increases risk of serious bleeding.
• In pregnant women, dengue can increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm birth.

Prospek jangka panjang

Most people with dengue recover fully within one to two weeks. Even in severe cases, with prompt medical care in a hospital, the outlook is good and most people survive. Treatment is supportive, and the body usually clears the virus on its own. The key is to recognize warning signs early and get medical help right away.

Cari dukungan

Organisasi internasional

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Dengue ↗
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Dengue ↗
• National Health Service (NHS) – Dengue ↗

Organisasi lokal

• NHS 111 (UK) ↗ · UK
• Healthline (New Zealand) ↗ · New Zealand
• Canada – Travel Health Notices ↗ · Canada

Saluran bantuan

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