Dengue Fever: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Dengue fever, a disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, is a pressing global health concern. It manifests through dengue symptoms ranging from mild fever to severe flu-like conditions, affecting millions yearly.

Unfortunately, due to its wide prevalence, recognising the early signs of dengue infection, such as nausea and fever, has become crucial in averting its potentially fatal consequences. The disease’s impact underscores the importance of dengue prevention and control measures, including developing and deploying a dengue vaccine. With no specific medicine for dengue readily available, the emphasis on prevention cannot be overstated.

Let’s delve into the significance of recognising early dengue fever symptoms to seek timely dengue treatment and discuss the advances in medical science that have led to the development of preventive measures and a dengue vaccine.

An Overview of Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness. It occurs due to the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito carrying dengue viruses. This mosquito predominantly thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, such as the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Southern China, Taiwan, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, Mexico, Africa, and Central and South America.

Dengue virus is the causative pathogen of dengue fever, which has four distinct serotypes. This disease can manifest in a wide range of symptoms, from asymptomatic to severe and potentially life-threatening.

Dengue fever manifests as a high fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, and a characteristic skin rash. The virus’s incubation period ranges from 3 to 14 days after infection. While most cases are mild and resolve within a week or two, a small proportion of patients develop severe dengue, previously known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. This severe form is marked by bleeding, low platelet count, plasma leakage, and dangerously low blood pressure.

How Does Dengue Fever Spread?

Dengue fever’s mode of transmission is intrinsically linked to the Aedes mosquito, which becomes a carrier after biting an individual whose blood harbours the dengue virus. Remarkably, this virus cannot be transmitted directly from person to person, making the mosquito the sole culprit in its proliferation.

When an infected mosquito bites an unsuspecting individual, the virus gains entry into the bloodstream, initiating a cascade of events that can result in symptoms from mild to life-threatening.

Transmission from Pregnant Person to Fetus:

• A pregnant infected with the dengue virus can pass the virus to the baby in the womb or around the time of delivery.
• Dengue can have harmful effects on the fetus, including low birth weight, premature birth, and, in severe cases, fetal death.

Transmission Through Other Routes:

• The dengue virus has been detected in breast milk. However, the benefits of breastfeeding generally outweigh the risks, so breastfeeding is still encouraged even if the mother is suspected of having a dengue infection.
• Rare cases of dengue transmission have been reported in healthcare or laboratory settings, such as through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or needlestick injuries.

Identifying the Causes of Dengue Fever

The transmission of the dengue virus primarily causes dengue fever through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes play a crucial role in the spread of the disease.

Additionally, several factors contribute to the increasing risk of dengue fever transmission:

• Climate Change: Rising temperatures, high rainfall, and increased humidity create favourable conditions for mosquito breeding and survival.
• Urbanisation: Unplanned urban growth, population density, and inadequate water storage practices provide breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.
• Population Movements: Increased travel and migration facilitate the spread of the virus to new regions, mainly when infected individuals arrive in areas with established mosquito populations.
• Fragile Health Systems: Limited resources and infrastructure can hinder effective surveillance, prevention, and control measures against dengue fever.
• Lack of Awareness: In some areas, people may not be familiar with the warning signs of dengue, leading to delays in seeking medical attention, which is crucial for managing severe cases.

Understanding the causes of dengue fever, including the role of specific mosquito vectors, geographical hotspots, and contributing factors, is essential for developing effective prevention and control strategies to diminish the spread of this potentially life-threatening disease.

Recognising Symptoms

Recognising the symptoms of dengue fever is crucial for early detection and timely treatment. The symptoms of dengue can range from mild to severe, and they appear within four to ten days after being bitten by an infected Aedes mosquito.

Many people with dengue fever experience flu-like symptoms, including:

• High fever hovering around 40°C or 104°F
• Headache of high-intensity
• Pain behind the eyes
• Muscle and joint pains
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swollen glands
• Skin rash (a blotchy rash made up of flat or slightly raised spots)

While these symptoms may seem similar to the flu, seeking medical attention is essential, especially if you have recently travelled to a dengue-endemic area or live in a region where the disease is prevalent.

Warning Signs of Severe Dengue

Sometimes, dengue fever can advance to a more severe form, known as severe dengue. It can occur a few days after the initial symptoms appear, and the following warning signs characterise it:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Rapid breathing
• Bleeding from the gums or nose
• Extreme fatigue
• Restlessness
• Blood in vomit or stool

If any of these warning signs are present, immediate medical consultation is crucial, as severe dengue can be life-threatening without proper treatment, says “Dr. Ashok M N.”

Long-term Effects

While most people recover from dengue fever within 1-2 weeks, some individuals may experience long-term effects, also known as Post-Dengue Syndrome (PDS). These effects can persist for several months after the initial infection and may include:

• Extreme fatigue and weakness
• Persistent muscle and joint pain (arthralgia)
• Recurrent headaches
• Cognitive impairment and memory difficulties
• Mood changes, including depression and irritability
• Alopecia (hair loss)
• Vision problems

It’s important to note that the occurrence and duration of these long-term effects can vary among individuals, and some may experience only a few or none of these symptoms.

By being aware of the common symptoms, warning signs, and potential long-term effects of dengue fever, individuals can seek prompt medical intervention and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.

Treatment Options

There is no specific medication or antiviral treatment for dengue fever. The primary approach is to manage the symptoms and provide supportive care. The treatment options for dengue fever can be categorised into three main areas:

Medications

• Doctors may prescribe acetaminophen (paracetamol) for fever and pain relief. It helps control the high temperature and alleviate muscle and joint pains associated with dengue fever.
• Individuals suffering from dengue fever should avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen, as they can increase the risk of bleeding complications, which are common in dengue fever.
• Doctors may also prescribe certain medicines to manage nausea, vomiting, and itchy rashes that can occur during the illness.

Hospitalisation and Emergency Care

• Hospitalisation is often necessary for individuals with dengue hemorrhagic fever.
• Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy is crucial for managing dehydration and maintaining adequate tissue perfusion during the critical phase of the illness.
• In cases of profound shock, when the patient’s pulse pressure is below 10 mm Hg, doctors may give colloid solutions (fluids containing larger molecules) as they can restore cardiac index and hematocrits more rapidly than crystalloid solutions.
• Platelet transfusions may be considered in cases of severe thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and active bleeding that does not respond to supportive care.

Self-Care Tips

• Rest is essential during the recovery period to conserve energy and prevent complications.
• Drinking plenty of fluids, like water, fruit juices, or oral rehydration solutions, is crucial to prevent dehydration caused by fever, poor oral intake, or vomiting.
• Avoid activities or situations that may cause an increased risk of injury or bleeding, as dengue fever can cause thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and increased bleeding tendencies.
• Seek immediate medical guidance if warning signs of severe dengue fever develop, such as severe abdominal pain, bleeding from the nose or gums, frequent vomiting, or difficulty breathing.

Following your doctor’s advice and seeking prompt medical attention is crucial, particularly if symptoms worsen or warning signs of severe dengue fever appear. Early intervention and appropriate supportive care can significantly improve outcomes and prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

Conclusion

Combating dengue fever requires a multifaceted approach that combines early detection, effective treatment, and robust prevention strategies, including the use of vaccines. Individuals’ role in recognising symptoms and taking preventive measures is crucial in mitigating the spread and impact of this disease. As medical science progresses, continuous awareness and education are imperative to empower people globally to protect themselves and their communities. By embracing these integrated strategies, we can collectively work towards controlling and ultimately eradicating dengue fever, ensuring a healthier future for all.

FAQs

What is the cause of dengue?

It is caused by a virus spread through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, and it is common in tropical and subtropical areas. There are four types of dengue viruses, and having one doesn’t necessarily protect you from getting another.

How is dengue fever diagnosed?

Diagnosing dengue fever can be tricky as symptoms mimic the flu. Doctors might look for signs of bleeding, take blood tests, and consider a recent travel history to dengue-risk areas.

What is the treatment of choice for dengue fever?

There’s no specific medicine to fight the dengue virus itself. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and staying hydrated. In severe cases, hospitalization might be needed to manage complications.