🦟 Dengue Fever: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

⚕️ What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a viral disease spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes (especially Aedes aegypti). It is common in tropical and subtropical regions, including Asia, Africa, and South America.

Dengue is also known as “break bone fever” because of the intense muscle and joint pain it causes. Severe cases can be life-threatening and need urgent medical attention.

🔎 Symptoms of Dengue

Symptoms usually appear 4–10 days after the mosquito bite and may include:

🤒 Sudden high fever
🤕 Severe headache
👀 Pain behind the eyes
💪 Muscle, joint, and bone pain
🤢 Nausea and vomiting
🌡️ Skin rash (appears after 2–5 days of fever)
🩸 Mild bleeding (nose, gums, or easy bruising)

In severe cases (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome):

⚠️ Severe bleeding
🫀 Low blood pressure (shock)
🧠 Organ failure

⚠️ Causes & Risk Factors

🦟 Dengue virus is spread only by infected Aedes mosquitoes.
🏠 Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water (tanks, tires, buckets, pots).
🌍 Higher risk in crowded cities and during rainy seasons.

🩺 Diagnosis of Dengue

Doctors confirm dengue using:

🧪 Blood test for dengue virus (NS1 antigen test, PCR)
🩸 Antibody tests (IgM/IgG)
📉 Platelet count test (low platelets are common in dengue)

💊 Treatment for Dengue

There is no specific cure for dengue, but symptoms can be managed:

🛌 Rest and hydration (drink plenty of fluids)
💊 Pain relievers like paracetamol (❌ avoid aspirin & ibuprofen – can increase bleeding)
🏥 Hospitalization in severe cases for IV fluids, blood transfusions, and monitoring

🛡️ Prevention of Dengue

🦟 Eliminate standing water around homes
🧼 Keep water containers covered
🧴 Use mosquito repellents and wear long-sleeved clothing
🏠 Use mosquito nets and screens
🚫 Avoid keeping garbage uncovered
💉 A dengue vaccine exists in some countries, but prevention mainly depends on mosquito control

🌟 Outlook

Most dengue cases are mild and recover within 1–2 weeks. However, severe dengue can be deadly if not treated quickly. Early detection and proper medical care save lives.

Dengue Fever