Dengue fever 

Overview 

Dengue fever is an illness transmitted by mosquitoes and predominantly found in tropical and subtropical areas across the globeIt manifests in two formsmild dengue fever, which leads to symptoms similar to the flu along with a high fever, and the severe variant called dengue hemorrhagic feverThe severe form can result in serious bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure (shock), and even deathDengue fever is most commonly observed in Southeast Asia, the western Pacific islands, Latin America, and AfricaHowever, it has also started to appear in new regions, including localized outbreaks in Europe and the southern parts of the United StatesNotably, dengue fever is not contagious from person to person, except when transmitted from a pregnant individual to their child. 

Scientists are actively researching dengue fever vaccinesAs of now, in regions where the disease is prevalent, the best methods for preventing infection involve avoiding mosquito bites and taking measures to reduce the mosquito populationSymptoms tend to be mild during the initial infection, but if you experience another infection caused by a different version of the DENV, the likelihood of severe complications increasesUnfortunately, there is currently no specific medication to treat dengue fever, and healthcare providers primarily offer recommendations for managing the symptoms. 

Symptoms 

Dengue infections often go unnoticed by many individuals as they can be asymptomaticWhen symptoms do appear, they may resemble other illnesses, such as the flu, and typically emerge 4 to 10 days after being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus. 

Dengue fever typically presents with a high fever of 104°F (40°Cand may include any of the following signs and symptoms: 

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

Most cases of dengue recover within a week, but in some instances, symptoms can worsen, giving rise to lifethreatening conditions such as severe dengue, dengue hemorrhagic fever, or dengue shock syndromeSevere dengue arises when blood vessels become damaged and begin to leak, along with a notable decrease in the number of clotforming cells (plateletsin the bloodstreamThese complications can lead to shock, internal bleeding, organ failure, and, in the most severe cases, death. 

Warning signs of severe dengue fever, which can constitute a lifethreatening emergency, can manifest rapidlyTypically, these indicators appear within the first day or two following the resolution of the fever and may include: 

  • Severe abdominal pain 
  • Vomiting 
  • Gum or nosebleeds 
  • Presence of blood in urine, stools, or vomit 
  • Subcutaneous bleeding resembling bruising 
  • Difficulty breathing 
  • Fatigue 
  • Irritability or restlessness 

If you have recently been in a dengueprone area and are experiencing a fever along with any of these warning signs, or if you have traveled recently and develop a fever with mild denguelike symptoms, it is advisable to contact your doctor and seek urgent medical help. 

Causes 

Dengue fever is caused by four different types of dengue viruses, and it is not transmitted through close contact with an infected person but rather through mosquito bitesThe primary vectors for spreading these viruses are two common types of mosquitoes often found in and around human living areasWhen a mosquito bites an individual infected with a dengue virus, it becomes a carrier of the virusSubsequently, when this infected mosquito bites another person, it transmits the virus into their bloodstream, causing an infectionOnce an individual has recovered from dengue fever, they develop longterm immunity to the specific virus type that originally infected them but remain susceptible to the other three typesFurthermore, each dengue fever reinfection is much more dangerous than the previous infection. 

Risk factors 

The following factors may increase the risk of getting infected by dengue fever:  

  • Location: The likelihood of contracting the virus that causes dengue fever rises while living or traveling to tropical and subtropical regionsSoutheast Asia, the western Pacific islands, Latin America, and Africa are regions with very high risk.  
  • History of dengue fever: If individuals contract dengue fever again, they are more likely to experience severe symptoms due to prior infection with the virus.
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