How is dengue fever diagnosed?

Dengue fever is diagnosed through patient history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Blood tests can detect the presence of the dengue virus or antibodies produced in response to the infection.

Is dengue fever contagious?

Dengue fever is not directly contagious from person to person. It requires a mosquito vector for transmission. However, in rare cases, it can be transmitted from a pregnant person to their child.

Can you get dengue fever more than once?

Yes, since the dengue virus has four distinct serotypes, a person can be infected up to four times. Infection with one serotype only provides immunity to that specific serotype, not others.

Where is dengue fever most common?

Dengue fever is most common in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Africa.

Dengue

What is dengue fever?

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The disease is caused by the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with the dengue virus. Mild cases of dengue fever typically present with high fever and flu-like symptoms. However, the severe form, known as dengue haemorrhagic fever, can lead to severe bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure (shock), and can be fatal. Mosquitoes become carriers of the virus after biting an infected person. While dengue cannot be transmitted directly from person to person, it can be passed from a pregnant person to their child.

What causes dengue fever?

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. The infection cycle begins when a mosquito bites someone already infected with the dengue virus, allowing the mosquito to become a carrier. After an incubation period of 8-12 days within the mosquito, the virus can be transmitted to another person through subsequent bites. Dengue fever does not spread directly from person to person; it requires mosquito vectors for transmission. Although rare, the virus can also be passed from a pregnant person to their foetus. Preventative measures such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed are crucial in reducing the risk of dengue fever.

What are the symptoms of dengue fever?

Many people with dengue infection experience no signs or symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they often resemble those of other illnesses, such as the flu, and typically begin four to ten days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Dengue fever can cause a high fever of 104°F (40°C) along with symptoms such as:

Headache
Muscle, bone, or joint pain
Nausea and vomiting
Pain behind the eyes
Swollen glands
Rash.

Most individuals recover within a week, but in some cases, symptoms can worsen and become life-threatening, leading to severe dengue, also known as dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.

Severe dengue occurs when blood vessels become damaged and leaky, and the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in the bloodstream decreases. This can result in shock, internal bleeding, organ failure, and even death. Warning signs of severe dengue, a life-threatening emergency can develop quickly and usually begin within the first day or two after the fever subsides. These signs include:

Severe stomach pain
Persistent vomiting
Bleeding from gums or nose
Blood in urine, stools, or vomit
Bleeding under the skin that may appear as bruising
Difficulty or rapid breathing
Fatigue
Irritability or restlessness

When to call a doctor

You should call a doctor if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of dengue fever, particularly if they worsen or if any warning signs of severe dengue appear.