Dengue: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV). It is transmitted by the bite of infected female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are active during the day (especially early morning and late afternoon).
⚠️ Symptoms of Dengue
Symptoms usually appear 4-10 days after being bitten and may last for 2-7 days.
Common Symptoms:
- Sudden high fever (up to 104°F / 40°C)
- Severe headache (especially behind the eyes)
- Joint and muscle pain (“breakbone fever”)
- Nausea, vomiting
- Skin rash (appears 2-5 days after fever starts)
- Fatigue, weakness
- Mild bleeding (nosebleeds, gum bleeding, easy bruising)
Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome)
⚠️ Life-threatening – needs urgent hospitalization.
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Bleeding gums, blood in vomit or stool
- Cold/clammy skin, restlessness
🛡️ Prevention of Dengue
Currently, no specific antiviral drug exists for dengue, so prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites and reducing breeding grounds.
1. Avoid Mosquito Bites
- Use mosquito repellents (DEET, picaridin, lemon-eucalyptus oil)
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers
- Use mosquito nets, especially for children and elderly
- Keep doors/windows closed or use mesh screens
2. Stop Mosquito Breeding
- Empty and clean water containers (coolers, pots, buckets) weekly
- Cover water storage containers
- Do not let water stagnate in plants, tires, or open containers
- Add larvicidal agents (temephos) to water tanks if needed
3. Community Measures
- Fogging and spraying during outbreaks
- Public awareness campaigns
💊 Treatment of Dengue
There is no specific cure; treatment is mainly supportive.
General Care:
- Adequate rest
- Drink plenty of fluids (water, ORS, coconut water, soups) to prevent dehydration
- Use paracetamol (acetaminophen) for fever and pain
❌ Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and diclofenac (they increase risk of bleeding)
Medical Attention Needed If:
- Severe abdominal pain, continuous vomiting
- Bleeding gums, nose, stool, or vomiting blood
- Difficulty breathing
- High fever not reducing
- Excessive fatigue or restlessness
Hospitalization may require:
- Intravenous fluids for dehydration/shock
- Blood transfusion (in case of severe bleeding)
✅ Summary: Dengue is a viral fever spread by Aedes mosquitoes. Mild cases recover with fluids, rest, and paracetamol. Severe dengue needs urgent hospitalization. Prevention (mosquito control and personal protection) is the best defense.
