What is
dengue?

Dengue is a mosquito-borne seasonal viral infection caused by any of four closely related viruses (DENV 1-4). The virus is transmitted by a bite of female mosquito of any of two species of mosquitoes of the genus Aedes. The mosquito, which typically bites humans in the daylight hours, can be easily recognized because of its peculiar white spotted body and legs. Outbreak of the disease typically occurs in summer season when the mosquito population reaches its peak. It occurs widely in tropical and subtropical areas in Asia, Africa, Central and South America. Unlike malaria, which is a major health concern in rural areas, dengue is equally prevalent in the urban areas too. In fact, it is predominantly reported in urban and semi-urban areas. WHO estimates that there may be 50 million dengue infections worldwide every year. A severe form of the infection is known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). DHF can be fatal if not detected.

What are its symptoms?


After its entry into patient's body, the virus multiplies to reach sufficient numbers to cause the symptoms. This process might take 4-6 days after which the symptoms become visible. The main symptoms of dengue are high fever (103-105 degrees fahrenheit), severe headache (mostly in the forehead), severe pain behind the eyes, joint pain, muscle and bone pain, rashes, and mild bleeding from nose or gums. Because of the severe joint pain, dengue is also known as break-bone fever. Typically, younger children and those with their first dengue infection have a milder illness than older children and adults. DHF is characterized by a fever that lasts for 2 to 7 days, with general signs and symptoms consistent with dengue fever. In addition to these symptoms, if a patient suspected with dengue experiences decrease in platelets or an increase in blood haematocrit, it becomes more certain that the patient is suffering from the infection. Platelets are cells in blood that help to stop bleeding, while haematocrit indicates thickness of blood. The smallest blood vessels become excessively permeable allowing fluid component to escape from blood vessels to organs of the body. This may lead to failure of circulatory system, which might also cause death.

What is the treatment for dengue?

Like in most viral diseases, there is no specific cure for dengue. Antibiotics do not help and paracetamol is the drug of choice to bring down fever and joint pain. Others such as Aspirin and Brufen or any medicine that can decrease platelet count should be avoided since they can increase the risk of bleeding.