Dengue Fever is an acute mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV, serotypes DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4). It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever (Appear 4–10 Days Post-Bite)
- High Sudden Fever: High fever spiking up to 104°F (40°C).
- Retro-Orbital Pain: Severe aching pain behind the eyes.
- Breakbone Body Aches: Intense muscle, joint, and bone pain.
- Headache & Fatigue: Severe frontal headache and prostration.
- Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Persistent nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite.
- Dengue Rash: Measles-like maculopapular rash appearing 2–5 days after fever onset.
- Mild Bleeding Manifestations: Epistaxis (nosebleeds), bleeding gums, or petechial skin spots.
Severe Dengue (DHF / DSS – Life-Threatening Warning Signs)
Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever / Dengue Shock Syndrome) occurs when fever drops (critical phase, days 3–7). Immediate emergency hospitalization is mandatory if any warning sign appears:
- Severe, unremitting abdominal pain
- Persistent, intractable vomiting
- Mucosal bleeding (spontaneous bleeding from nose/gums/gastrointestinal tract)
- Rapid breathing (tachypnea) & fluid accumulation (pleural effusion/ascites)
- Severe fatigue, restlessness, or altered mental state
- Rapid drop in blood platelet count (< 50,000/µL) with rising hematocrit (plasma leakage).
Diagnostic Evaluation
- NS1 Antigen Test: Positive during early acute fever phase (days 1–5).
- Dengue IgM & IgG Antibody Test: Detects seroconversion in later acute/convalescent phase.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Daily monitoring of platelet count, white blood cells, and hematocrit levels.
Treatment & Management Protocol
- Hydration Therapy: Aggressive oral fluid intake (ORS, coconut water, fresh juices) or intravenous isotonic fluids for plasma leakage.
- Fever & Pain Management: Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) for fever relief.
⚠️ CRITICAL CONTRAINDICATION: Avoid NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Naproxen) as they worsen bleeding and precipitate severe hemorrhage! - Hospitalization & Platelet Monitoring: Inpatient monitoring for severe thrombocytopenia or hemodynamic instability.
Prevention
Eliminate stagnant water breeding sites around homes, wear long clothing, apply mosquito repellents (DEET), and use mosquito nets. Dengvaxia vaccine is available for individuals with confirmed previous dengue infection.
