Dengue fever

What is Dengue fever


Dengue fever
Dengue fever
Dengue fever is an intense infectious viral disease that is caused by all four types of dengue virus 1, 2, 3 and 4. It is most commonly spread by the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes found in tropical and subtropical regions.

What are the causes


Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne infection that is painful and debilitating. It spreads through the bite of Aedes mosquito. This mosquito conveys the dengue virus which can get transmitted to a human's blood through a bite. Dengue fever is transferable and can spread from person to person. 

What are the symptoms


Fever, with sudden onset, often rises to 40–40.5 ° C.Rash, which shows up 3-4 days after the beginning of the symptoms, starting from the trunk region and spreading to the face, arms and legs. Muscle aches (myalgia), Joint aches (arthralgia), Headache.

What are the risk factors


Dengue has become the most striking mosquito-borne disease of the 1990s. Every year tens of millions of people are affected by the disease. About 2.5 billion individuals live in areas that are at risk of epidemic transmission. The highest incidence of dengue is in Southeast Asia, India and the American tropical regions where Aedes aegypti can be found. Outbreaks are more common in tropical countries Factors like overcrowding, open water storage and water system canals provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

How is the diagnosis made


Total white blood cells count: In the case of dengue fever this test will reveal less than a normal number of leukocytes (4000-11,000/cumm) or white blood cells in the blood.
Thrombocytopenia: Total platelets count in the blood might be very low in dengue fever. Serum tests measure the antibody produced against dengue infection.

What is the treatment

Treatment is just strong in case of dengue fever, which means rest, plenty of fluids and acetaminophen to hold the temperature down. Hospitalization might be required in severe cases to monitor the platelet count. If the platelet count falls below a critical level (40,000/cm), it might be important to transfuse fresh blood or platelet-rich plasma (PRP).


What are the prevention

Personal protection against mosquito bites should be done using mosquito repellents, wearing nets and clothes that are covering the body. Care should be taken to see that there are no stagnating water bodies around the living areas and the surrounding areas are kept clean.


Dengue fever
Dengue fever

What are the complications


Dengue fever can effectively affect the patient. Other then immense pain, dengue fever can result in dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. These complications of dengue fever can cause the following symptoms:

Bleeding from the gums and nose
Minor spots on the skin
Moist skin 
Weak pulse
Sweating
Delicate tummy and body
Fatigue
Loss of hunger
Sore throat
Low blood pressure
Dry mouth 
The reduced flow of urine.

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